#Thus he wears clothing that covers his arms and legs

[cookieofearthbread]

So I ended up drawing the scars that Pure Vanilla has. + putting it under readmore.

[misslovasstuff]

Prompt: “Wanna go on an adventure?”

You say whilst wearing a sexy dress that’d leave any man drooling.

paired with: Sanji, Zoro and Ace.

warning: contains nsfw, minors are asked not to interact.

author’s note: the opening line for Ace is the smoothest thing I’ve ever written till now. If you guys want me to continue any of this, let me know.

Sanji:

“Goodness, - he eyes you up and down. - oh my oh my oh my…!”

The cook’s mouth drops as he covers it with his hand in complete disbelief.

“You’re such a merciless woman! - Sanji approaches slowly, caressing your arm with the back of his hand just to feel you and understand that what’s happening right now is certainly not a dream. - Don’t you know what you do to me when you wear clothes like these~

He grabs your bra strap on your shoulder and pulls it, hitting your skin, all whilst never shifting his gaze away from your eyes which were too shy to look back. A small moan escapes your mouth as you look at your man in a new light, since he’s never done this before.

“Sanji… - you call him breathily, as there is a passion in his eyes you recognised very well. - you’re being so…ahh…”

His hand caresses your back and stops low. You can’t tell what he’s doing until your dress begins to losen up.

He reveals the bow tie he had just removed, putting it in between your faces as he whispers: “you’ve wrapped yourself like a present for me, my lady. “

His left hand pulls you by the waist while the other brushes off some strands of hair out of your face, thus making your eyes meet: you realise how beautifully intense his gaze on you, as if he was looking at a dream come true.

His charms were too much to handle, making you gulp hard as you glance at his lips, so much so that Sanji might have heard it. His instincts are insane, he knows what you’re feeling and why every single time.

“I did put this on for you.” - Sanji averts his eyes for a moment, staring at your body with a smirk after your reply. The dress was revealing but still managed to leave space for imagination to fill. And, anybody who knows men, especially the ones like Sanji, know that this is all they want to get that fire going.

He grabs your chin gently and kisses your cheek. You surely know because of Sanji about those kisses where the impact of his lips is like a signature on your skin and you just feel it as if he was kissing your soul, you absorb it with every fiber of your being.

“Right, you wanted to go on an adventure? - he smirks before kissing your face again and again in such an agonising small pace, letting you wanting more, so much more.. - You might take me on one, under one condition.”

You raise an eyebrow and grin:

“Oh really, you’re putting conditions now, huh?” - you say, playing with his hair as your arms rest on his shoulders. - What is it that my prince wants?”

“Well, adventures are dangerous so, - Sanji begins to kiss you on the lips soflty, as he speaks in between, - might have to keep you very close to me. - his lips move down your neck, fingers brushing off skin before he kisses and sucks there. Slight moans are already being heard from you. - not to mention all the excitement…

You’re completely pulled in by him. Not only physically, but your entire being deviates towards his body, like a moth to a burning flame.

“I’ll take… responsibility for it all…” - your breath begins to shorten as you drown your face in the nape of his neck, taking in his fragrance like it was a life-saving drug.

“You’re gonna take care of me, huh? Alright then, the most important thing is, - suddenly he goes down in one knee, grabbing your leg and placing your foot to rest on his thigh while he caresses the inner part of yours. - you gotta let me undress you bit by bit, on my own, throughly.”

You smirk, raising your dress just a bit higher to reveal more to his bare eye. That’s see how long it’s gonna take until this dress finds itself on the floor.

“Deal. All yours.”

Zoro:

“Oh, look at that. Someone’s been feeding her imagination lately.” - Zoro is sat on a chair, looking like he had just finished a glass of booze.

“Only mine?” - you close the door behind you, staying firm in front of him.

Zoro’s eyes adventure in your body before he spins his index finger as to signal you to turn around 360 degrees for him.

So you do.

If only there was a way do describe the way his eyes stared you down, as if he was consuming you only with his gaze. After taking a last sip out of his glass, he puts it away, licking his lips.

“Come here.” - he demands by patting his lap for you to sit.

You compose yourself on his thigh, the rest of your legs resting on his other whilst your long and tender arms wrap themselves around his neck.

Zoro scans your face with a smirk that hides so many nasty thoughts which only occurred when he was with you like this.

“Tell me about that adventure you were talking about.” - he claims with a low and deep voice, brushing your chin with his thumb.

Perhaps it was the booze or perhaps it was you who had gotten the swordsman a bit tipsy.

Zoro pushes your hair away from your shoulders, planting gentle but rooted kisses there.

“Tell you or show you? - you reply back, running your fingers through his hair and then brushing off the back of his neck.

“I’m a visual learner.”

With the cue, you caress his lower lip, leaning in and then facing away, teasing him.

A smirk from you doesn’t go unnoticed by your man, which he mirrors and shakes his head to.

“You know, it doesn’t make sense for you to play hard to get after coming to me dressed like this.” - he claims, biting his lip as his eyes glance at your body.

Zoro raises an eyebrow, at your next remark.

“Sorry, i keep getting distracted.”

You like the expression on his face. There’s frustration but love, eagerness but also resistance. Normally you wouldn’t continue teasing him like this but you know he likes it.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you focused for some time.”

It’s not long till he grabs your cheeks with one hand while the other caresses your thigh and pushes you closer so your lips meet passionately. His tongue dominates yours and he kisses like he was sucking the soul out of your body. The taste of alcohol on his mouth, his heavy breathing and those subtle but harsh touches were making you go insane.

His hand travels down to your upper part of the dress, lowering it with one pull thus revealing your bare chest. He gazes upon it before grabbing it with a hand, squeezing those boobs together before devouring them in his mouth.

Seeing you dressed like this, although not admitting it, must have turned him on like crazy. Your moans only add to his excitement as you push your head back, breathily calling his name.

“Zoro…- you clench your hand to his shirt, keeping yourself balanced.

“Ima bout to take you to the best adventure you’ve had in your life.”

This said, his hands take a strong grip on your waist, grabbing it good before picking you up and making you sit on the table, parting your legs and looking intensely at your eyes.

Zoro pulls you in by grabbing your legs, touching his forehead with yours as he whispers:

“Damnit, you’re so sexy right now I’m barely holding myself together.”

Ace:

“Dressed like that, the only adventure you’ll take me is inside you.”

You get all flustered as he scans you from head to toe, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed.

“Not to mention, now I feel underdressed.” - he claims chuckling, as he pushes his body forward to approach you. Ace looks down on you, seeing your body from a perspective he didn’t imagine before. The way your dressed fit with your curves and just the fact that you looked so hot in it made his body go all ‘code red’ whilst standing in close proximity, but not putting any hands on you yet.

“Well, it won’t matter anyways, - you reply, making the first move by caressing his chest. - you’ll get it off me faster than I put it on.”

“I see you came with clear expectations. - he replies, touching the hand you were caressing his chest with and lending a kiss to the palm. - what can I do for you, beautiful? You want an adventure?”

Your expression softens, as small romantic gestures that he did always left you in awe. But you’re no fool because it is known very welll by both of you what happens soon after and how that softness turns into grabbing the bed sheets.

“Kiss me, please.” - your voice sounds desperate which makes Ace grin.

“So needy today ~

His lips are inviting yours in a way that’s never happened before. He presses them delicately at first only to go absolutely feral after. Feels so perfect that even his head movements are in sync with yours, like dancing a fierce tango. He’s too eager, too hungry and too demanding. You’d swear you felt his tongue going down your throat as his hands are placed so well at your lower back, sliding down slowly.

“Ace… - you moan after finally catching your breath. Meanwhile, this man can’t stand without doing something that drives you crazy and you loved him for that.

He manages to get his hands under your dress, squeezing your ass like it was the only thing he wanted to hold on in this life. Ace comes back with more passionate kisses and touches second after second, making you unable to think, thus you just surrender to him completely.

“Dressed all pretty for me, - he says, pushing you a bit backwards, pinning you against the nearest wall. - you deserve a good reward, don’t ya?”

As your back hits the wall, Ace wastes no time in grabbing your legs and pushing them up to his waist. The dress no matter how sexy, still prevented him from feasting his eyes at you. A smirk appears on your eyes whilst biting your lip as you hang onto him shoulders.

He starts unzipping the front of your dress, turned on even more by looking at your expression filled of burning lust, showing unconsciously how much you wanted him.

“Let’s do some adventuring, shall we?”

[fablefan]

What the Heck is the Golden Guard Actually Wearing: A Speculative Guide

So a long while ago, I was talking in a Discord server with a few others about what Hunter's GG uniform might actually be composed of, since apparently a lot of the fandom seems to interpret it as a kind of tunic. With the finale of the show sending us all into tears, I thought I'd take a break from the heartache and explain my theories.

(This might be long, so I'll put pictures in when I can)

So to start with, let's actually begin not with his uniform, but what's underneath it, as seen above.

(So scary, truly)

Now, while some people headcanoned this as a binder (and I'm not one to bash on people's ideas), I think it's actually a kind of brigandine!

(Note the length, the buckles going down the front, and the leather straps going over the shoulders)

This was a kind of armor that knights or soldiers wore, composed of strips of metal fastened between two pieces of heavy cloth or leather to make a vest. It was handy to have because it was fairly durable and lightweight, and offered decent protection without needing all the fancy welding required for full-plate armor.

It was worn on top of a tunic (like he does in the photo), and was usually sleeveless, though it sometimes could come with arm and shoulder protection.

Now, I confess, a brigandine wouldn't normally be worn under armor (too many layers and padding), but that leads us to Hunter's actual uniform!

(Angry cat / big brother energy intensifies)

So while the cloak and pin are common enough that even most civilians in medieval times wore them, this isn't one solid tunic piece -- it's plate mail!

Now, to get the basics out of the way, that little shoulder guard he's wearing is called a pauldron, and was used to keep your opposing, non-dominant side safe when jousting. Knights would normally only wear one, as two would be cumbersome, and holding your lance under one was uncomfortable and impractical.

(It also makes an adequate perch for little bird palismen)

That duller yellow color Hunter wears is the undershirt knights would wear under their armor (for extra padding against chafing and some extra protection). While this historically would be a gamberson (or aketon, depends on who you ask), a thick, quilted fabric shirt, it'd be too bulky for the plate mail he's wearing, amidst other things.

Instead, he might be wearing an arming shirt!

Also referred to as an arming doublet (again, depends on who you ask), these were made later as a thin kind of form-fitting shirt that was more flexible and allowed for ease of motion when wearing armor. Sometimes chain mail was sewn into more vulnerable areas for coverage, like between the legs and the armpits (like you can kinda see in the first pic).

(Also, take notice of the higher sides of the collar, which you can also see under Hunter's cape)

The brighter gold armor he wears is, from what I can tell, not full plate mail, but a kind of cuirass!

These were chest plates that covered both the front and back of a knight without needing all the extras of armor, and could be worn with an arming shirt or chainmail.

They also usually came with hip guards -- those little strips by his pelvis -- and were special attachments called faulds, useful for keeping those areas safe without making things too bulky.

And there you have it! Hope this helps with your art and writing, and thus concluding

✨Weird History With Fable✨

[juanysusalchica]

Jealous! Edgar x Reader

This was a request from a friend who likes Edgar a lot.... not good at writing him but it gets me out of my comfort zone.

You stayed hidden on the tall grass to recover your health after you were attacked by Shelly’s bullets, fortunately and surprisingly you survived. When she was out of ammo, this gave you the opportunity to escape.

You weren’t good in Solo showdown, the reason why you survived is because you simply ran away from any brawler’s encounter and dodge their bullets. Earlier this day, you played the Duo version with Edgar, but this made him annoyed when he found out that you chickened out during the whole game while he had to carry your team.

After losing the game together, frustrated, he said that you should get out of your comfort zone and try solo instead. For now, only two more brawlers left leaving you, Shelly, and some individual.

When your health reached to its peak, you suddenly heard a sheer screaming, you immediately recognized it was Shelly, she was out of the game.

Your anxiety increased as the green toxic gas was consuming your surroundings forcing you to get out of your hiding spot. Sucking in some air, you prepared yourself to jump out of the tall grass when you heard a familiar voice.

“Ugh, where are they?” they grumbled.

“Wait a minute, I recognize that voice…” you thought, cautiously walking out of your hiding spot and saw a familiar young man wearing darker clothing, you immediately recognized that it was Edgar who was wildly searching on the other side of the map, his back facing you, unaware that you were literally standing from behind.

This is it.

This is your opportunity to finally show him that you can win without his help. The times you’ve teamed with him, you managed to learn about Edgar’s attacks, his range are short and needs to be closer to the enemy making him an easy prey for long range attacks, so this was a piece of cake.

Without making a sound, you aimed your shot at him, taking a mental note to be far away from him as possible. When Edgar was about to turn around, you sucked in air once again and threw you first attack on him.

“Aah! Hey!” He gasped, clutching his arm to where he was hit, his eyes move wildly around the place to search his attacker until his eyes locked with yours. His blood ran cold when he saw you standing boldly in front of him, he was too used in seeing you coward throughout the games and now you got him cornered.

Realization hits him as soon as you lifted your weapon to throw your next attack, Edgar quickly spotted a wall and immediately bolted to get cover.

Your nervousness took the better of you thinking that he’ll use his super, you threw out all your attacks hitting him before he could reach thus eliminating him out of the game. You have won.

You ran towards him to help him get up; Edgar slapped your hand away from him. You flinched, not understanding why he was reacting this way.

“Leave me alone; I can do it myself.” He barked, rising from the dusty ground abruptly.

“Edgar, I was just trying to help you...”

The look of anger on his face soon morphed into one of realization and then embarrassment, he was so focused in winning the game and he shouldn’t let his anger overtake him and hearing the way your voice cracked made his heart sink.

“I… sorry, I shouldn’t react this way, especially not to you.” He muttered, turning to leave. Its was a bad habit of him in shooing people away and bottle up his feelings.

“No wait!” you plead.

Suddenly, you grabbed him by the wrist stopping from his tracks and looked at him with concern.

“Please don’t go. Tell me why you are behaving like this…”

Edgar was stunned at this action for he did not expect you to touch him; he doesn’t like when others touch him especially Collette but when it came to you it made his little shriveled heart skip a beat. His anxiety began to rise, he wanted to run away and die from embarrassment, but his legs wouldn’t budge forcing him to stay with you.

Edgar let out a sigh of defeat and nods.

“Okay but promise me that you won’t hate me after this.”

You furrowed your brow at his commentary, you were puzzled on why you would hate him, slowly shaking your head, Edgar took a deep breath and looked at you directly in the eye.

“The reason why I was angry is because... I was jealous that you beat me. There, are you happy now?”

Edgar turned around crossing his arms, a pink hue appeared across his face. You blinked, not the kind of answer you were expected. Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by your laughter in which caused Edgar off guard. He looked at you with wide eyes as if you had grown an extra head. “Hey, what’s so funny about?”

“Haha, I’m sorry, its just- Pfft, I never thought you’d get angry at me just because I defeated you!” You laughed out loud, leaving you almost breathless, this made Edgar’s face go profusely red. After taking a few breaths to calm your laughter and gave him a small smile.

“If I’m being honest, I thought you’d be proud of me for being able to play by my own, I never care about winning.”

Edgar was out of words; his mind ran with different excuses but them of them were convincing. Realizing that he had forced you in getting out of your comfort zone just to show him that your capable in surviving had made him feel like a monster.

A small chuckle escaped from his lips and scratched the back of his neck embarrassed.

“Wow, now I feel like a bad person.”

“Oh, don’t be harsh with yourself,” you scoffed, swaying your hand through the air, “I’m glad that you were able to talk about your feelings. Next time, can we play duo together?”

Edgar’s eyes widen at the offer, for a moment he thought you would hate him when talking about his jealousy and leave. He was lost at his thought that he didn’t hear you calling his name, he then blinked when you slide your hand pulling back to consciousness.

“Huh, oh I mean, sure whatever.”

Edgar slowly smiled at the offer, realizing that despite his jealousy and harsh attitude, you still wanted to see him and play together.

[corvidsocs]

Hey mate can I get some detailed descriptions of like 2 of your ocs because I want to draw them

( my stupid device won't let me scroll enough to see them :( )

I'm not sure I've got properly detailed descriptions of them anyways, so this was a good ask. I think I'll do more than two just to have more available to see, and then you can pick the ones ya like most, if that makes sense?

Dialtone: A tall, mostly humanoid robot. Her head's a screen of about a 3:2 ratio, and she typically displays some relevant symbol or expression on there. She doesn't like to have words on the screen, but it's technologically available. Clothing-wise she's got a purple tuxedo, white shirt, a bow tie that's whatever color looks nice for the art, and some quite standard shoes. She's not got any traits that in humans are examples of sexual dimorphism. She's fairly lanky, and her limbs as well as her neck have that sort of endlessly bendy and stretchy system you see quite often on fictional robots.

Alice: She along with Simon, Edmund, and Elizabeth are all an alien species called Thirlens. Some consistent traits to these are an entirely black, rather goopy looking body, ability to shift and contort pretty much however's convenient, and some degree of control over their physical size that has an increasing upper limit as they age. They've usually got one face, in a faintly glowing white, but if there's some manner of serious emotional conflict or turmoil or such there can be more. Thirlens tend to wear full body cloaks with a mask over the face (one mask regardless of however many faces there are, as well). Alice specifically has a light gray mask rather resembling that of a plague doctor, albeit in a firmer material. Think perhaps along the lines of plastic. Her cloak is more of a middle grey, and she's also got a wide brimmed, flat hat. Size-wise, she tends to be about the height of a standard human. You could look her in the eyes without much trouble.

Simon: He's a great deal taller than Alice, though I've never been much one for comparisons. He's taller than a lot of buildings, but there's a lot taller than him. His mask is a triangle, with triangular eyeholes. His greys are darker, with a trick I often do being to have his mask gray be Alice's cloak grey, thus ensuring an overall darker look while having a nice bit of consistency.

Hyacinth: This one's quite tall, though still within a very understandable range. Probably around 8-9 feet, though that's with a design featuring a lot of slouching. Their head looks rather like a video camera, with a long antenna coming off the back and ending in a red sphere. After the head there's two portions of neck leading to a very boxy body segment. Going down another step there's some rather complicated shaped sections working to make a curve between the body and the treds used for locomotion, which have a triangular cover/connecting piece. The arms hang down to just off the ground, the body is teal, and this one's complex enough I'll have to reblog with an art once I can just to have an example.

Nathaniel Robot: A scruffy looking caucasian man with generous hair both upon his head and upon his face, whitened by age. His clothing is typically a buttoned shirt and standard pants. Lived in the 19th and early to mid 20th centuries if that matters.

Targvenn: Quite tall, mostly in the neck. Reptile, with a very round snout and no tail. Bipedal. Mostly dark grey scales, with teal on his belly and throat. His eyes are in a matching color.

Flitzkel: A short, fuzzy creature. No arms, and legs that only barely reach out beyond the fluff. Four alternating stripes in black and yellow, with his eyes being in a yellow stripe at the second-highest.

Morf Dalilce: looks mostly human. Average height, brown unruly hair of about chin length. The inhuman aspects are blue skin, short orange horns, and a standard triangular demon tail with a chunk out, making a lopsided double triangle. They wear a tuxedo that, while once quite nice, has become quite worn, with a great many patched sewn on in a variety of colors. Smirks.

That's all the big ones, I could add less important ones in a reblog if people want that

[hubbvrd]

being sick | Sam Hubbard

In which y/n is ill and sam lovingly cares for her

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

In the last few days, y/n had tried to pretend that everything was fine. But today, right after she got up, she realised that she couldn't pretend that everything was okay today.

She hated it when she got sick and had to stay in bed and let others do things for her.

Snuggled in a blanket, y/n sat on the sofa, remote in her left hand, browsing various streaming platforms for something to watch so that the next few days would at least be somewhat acceptable.

However, she wasn't quite in the mood, so she just stared at the not-so-small TV and operated the remote control almost as if by remote control.

And thus she only noticed that Sam had come to her when he wrapped his arms around her from behind and pressed a gentle kiss on her neck.

Y/n turned her head around to Sam, who gave his girlfriend a warm smile and then sat down next to her on the sofa and put her legs over his thighs.

"Hey, babe. You okay?" Sam eyed y/n for a few seconds, during which he noticed how pale and tired she looked.

"Hm," y/n merely answered him, tugging briefly at Sam's hoodie, which she was wearing, before placing the blanket over her legs and then leaning back.

"Is that my hoodie?" , he asked y/n with a grin.

"It was the cosiest one I could find," , she answered him shrugging her shoulders and then rubbed her forehead behind which it suddenly started to hurt.

"My hoodie looks cute on you." Sam leaned forward slightly to give his girlfriend a kiss on the forehead, noticing that she was almost glowing.

"Are you cold?"

Y/n shook her head and at the same moment pulled the blanket up to her chin.

In truth, she was incredibly cold, but she didn't want to admit this to Sam, because she didn't want to be a burden to him.

After all, she was an adult and could take care of herself - even when she was sick. Because it was difficult for her to accept help from others.

Because she didn't know it any other way. She had been on her own since she was a little girl and this had only changed a year ago when she met Sam, who literally carried her on his hands, read her every wish from her lips and helped her as much as he could.

"You can tell me the truth. I know this is incredibly hard for you, but you are sick and it is my job to nurse you back to health. And I will."

Sam picked up another blanket from the floor, with which he covered y/n, carefully laid her legs on the couch and then got up to fetch her water and tea from the kitchen.

"Can I get you anything else besides tea and water?" , he called into the living room as he fetched a glass from the cupboard.

But there was no reply from the living room, so Sam raised an eyebrow in confusion and made his way back to the living room, where he found his girlfriend asleep.

Carefully, he put the blanket more neatly over his girlfriend, who was almost on the floor, and slipped back into the kitchen, where he quietly left the kitchen door ajar and then called his mother to ask her what the perfect remedy was to get y/n back into shape.

After his mother had told him some of the things Sam had noted down, Sam set off for the supermarket where he would get all the things.

—

"Darling? You need to eat..." Gently, Sam stroked the wet strands of hair from his girlfriend's face.

He was reluctant to wake her, but he was sure she had hardly eaten, or possibly not eaten at all.

He only got a grumble in reply and shortly afterwards y/n slowly opened her eyes and sat up.

Her clothes - Sam's hoodie, rather - were clinging wetly to her, which made her face pucker.

"Do you want me to take you to the bathroom first so you can shower?"

Sam set the bowl of chicken soup, which he had made from his mother's recipe, down on the table.

"Too weak," y/n mumbled softly and stretched her arms up to indicate Sam to take off the wet hoodie.

A moment later she was rid of the wet hoodie. But the t-shirt she was wearing underneath was also wet.

"I'll get you a new shirt." Sam pressed a kiss to y/n's forehead again and then ran upstairs where he got one of his shirts from his wardrobe.

He knew how much y/n loved to wear his hoodies or shirts.

Shortly afterwards he had also helped y/n out of the wet shirt and put a new one on her.

Now y/n lay in his arms and ate the chicken soup while Sam stroked her damp hair.

"I don't want to infect you..." , y/n mumbled with her mouth full.

In fact, y/n was the kind of person who always worried about others before they worried about themselves.

"That's okay. And then you just nurse me back to health the same way I'm nursing you now."

"But I can't do chicken soup."

"Oh, I couldn't make that either. My mom helped me," , Sam admitted honestly, eliciting a small giggle from y/n.

"It tastes good"

After y/n had eaten it all, she snuggled tightly into her friend's strong arms and closed her eyes again for a few seconds.

She still didn't really feel better, which was of course normal as one couldn't get better within a few hours after all, but with her caring friend by her side she felt she was on the road to recovery.

She enjoyed lying in his arms, feeling him gently stroking her hair and pressing a soft kiss to her hairline every now and then.

And a week later, when Sam had given y/n all his care, closeness and attention, Sam was the one who took y/n's place on the couch, because he had caught it from her.

But he put up with the flu, because he didn't regret being there for y/n and nursing her back to health.

[the-way-astray]

Hiiiii

Katie is hands off for this fic

You have no one to blame but me this go around 😅

(It's actually more tame than all my others tho)

Anyway time for it

This one is called:

Only Your Warmth

Stria trudged up the stairs. Her legs were lead. Why did the Elite Towers have to have so many freaking stairs?

She kicked off her shoes as soon as she stumbled in through the door. Her cape ended up crumpled on her carpet.

She was expecting the softness of a mattress to catch her fall. Instead, she fell on top of something hard. A person groaned from under her comforter.

Stria grabbed the lamp from her desk and aimed it at the lump on her bed. She chucked it once she had scrambled off.

Keefe poked his head out from the blanket and stopped the lamp with telekinesis before it bashed him in his head.

"What are you doing in here?" Stria asked

"Leak in my room," he mumbled

She slipped under the covers. "And I assume you're going to want to stay in here tonight?

He gave her puppy eyes, not that they ever worked on her. She rolled her eyes.

"Fine, you can stay. You better not make me late in the morning, though."

"Yes, your majesty," Keefe teased.

He scooted over so she could have her bed back. She flopped onto her stomach, burying her face in her pillow. He rolled onto his side to draped an arm over her.

She was about to snuggle to him, but he paused her. He took his shirt off and threw it to the corner of the room.

Stria kissed his cheek and let him envelope her in his embrace. She listened to the sound of his heartbeat. It eventually lulling her to sleep.

this one is still terrible but relatively speaking, not too bad.

"Stria trudged up the stairs. Her legs were lead. Why did the Elite Towers have to have so many freaking stairs?"

for real. they could at least have a vortinator in there smh. who designed this shit.

"She kicked off her shoes as soon as she stumbled in through the door. Her cape ended up crumpled on her carpet."

if i was an elf i would legit never wear my cape. ever. if i get in trouble, so be it. freedom of clothing and whatnot i hate that shit.

""Leak in my room," he mumbled"

as if the elves have leaks smh. and i just know the elves are the stupid kind that would some arbitrary "no boys in the girls' room after x time and vice versa!" rule.

"He gave her puppy eyes, not that they ever worked on her. She rolled her eyes."

keefe doesn't do puppy eyes though. he does idiotic smirks and cringy "charm".

"She flopped onto her stomach, burying her face in her pillow. He rolled onto his side to draped an arm over her."

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT THAT I LIKE TO SLEEP ON MY STOMACH. ALAYDA THAT WAS CLASSIFIED INFORMATION. YOU. anyway get your arm off me keefe i'm trying to sleep. i hate sleeping with someone else all over me. ew.

"She was about to snuggle to him, but he paused her. He took his shirt off and threw it to the corner of the room."

NOT THE "HE PAUSED HER" HELP. AND ALAYDA. THE SHIRTLESSNESS IS SO FORCED DID YOU WRITE THIS SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE I SAID I NEVER WANT TO PICTURE KEEFE SHIRTLESS AND I'D BE FORCED TO IF SOMEONE WROTE THAT IN A ME X KEEFE FIC. DID YOU. EWWWWWWWWWW.

"Stria kissed his cheek and let him envelope her in his embrace. She listened to the sound of his heartbeat. It eventually lulling her to sleep."

EWWWWWWWWW. EW EW EW EW EW EW EW EW. EWWWWWW. DISGUSTING. NOT A CHEEK KISS. GROSS. and i have no interest in hearing keefe's heartbeat. unless it's giving out.

cringy as all hell but not as bad as the other, a solid 0/10. highest score you've gotten thus far good job.

[adarkrainbow]

Speaking of Greek fairytales ; and of queer fairytales (because we talked recently about the lack of queer material in fairytales). Anna Angelopoulos' collection of Greek fairytales has one very interesting one for trans representation.

Category "The Artifical Child". Tale 50 "The daughter into a boy". Here's a recap:

"In the good old time, during the ages of gold and silver", there was an old father who lived with his three daughters. One year a war was declared upon the neighboring kingdom ; the king reunited his army and the daughters told their father "It is our destiny to wage war for our land!". The father refused to let them go, telling them war was not for young girls.

The oldest daughter insisted so much her father ended up letting her go. She put on men clothes to better go into the army ; but the father also disguised himself. He took the appearance of a soldier and waited by the crossroad at the exit of the village, and as the daughter went to a well to get fresh water he asked "Where are you going, young man?" The daughter answered "I am going to the war." The father answered "You, a maiden, you have nothing to do there. Go back home! I can see that you are a girl". And the father-disguised-as-a-soldier threatened her with his sword, so that they was scared and ran home. When she returned her father was waiting for her, asked her what happened, and when she told him he answered how she was a coward and clearly couldn't have done much good fighting for the land if she fled the first threat she saw. "You better stay home, you have nothing to do at war!"

The second daughter tried the same, and also failed the same way. Finally it was the turn of the third daughter. Now, this daughter owned a horse - she found it as a young animal when she was thirteen, by the beach. She took care of it ever since, until it became a beautiful horse and strong horse. As she was to try her chance at going to war, the horse told her about the trick of her father and advised her to not be scared by the soldier's threat. Now, this daughter was the most beloved and cherished of the three by the father - so to make sure she would be scard he disguised himself as a heavily armed knight. He saluted her "Hello, young girl, where are you going?" When asked why he believed she was a young girl he said "You wear men's clothes and you are riding a horse, but your face is the one of a maiden". He also tried to warn her and scare her into not going to war "How could a maiden like you live with men daily? Weapons are not for young girls! Go back home!". But she refused to return home and she offered a battle, since she he had drawn his sword. Hopefully it wasn't a serious battle - as, when the two adversaries approached, the horse moved in such a way the false-knight fell onto the ground, where he confessed being her father. He added all his congratulations: she had proven to be brave and strong, and thus he gave her his blesing to go to war.

He hugged her, kissed her and she left. She arrived right as war had started. She killed many enemies, to the point they all fled away - but she still hunted them down with her horse. The king with all of his army stayed behind, because they could not keep up with her. Once the adversaries had fled, the royal council signed a peace accord and thus the war was won. The king asked for the brave warrior to go to him to be rewarded... but no one came. They searched everywhere, in vain. The king declared that anyone who found the brave warrior would be rewarded. One man remembered how the warrior's horse had his legs covered in the enemy's blood - that's how they found the girl, that all mistook for a boy since whe was in boys' clothing, heavily armed and with her hair hidden. The king said "Tell me who you love, if you ever wish to be married." The girl said she asked nothing, she only did it for the king and the country, and she was to leave to return home.

However the queen had been charmed by the beauty and bravery of this warrior: she wanted to marry him to her daughter. It took one month to prepare the wedding, while the wedding itself lasted forty nights and forty days. Two weeks after all that, the queen asked her daughter how things were going. The princess said her husband was beautiful, and delicate, and brought her all sorts of gifts, and satisfied her every needs, but when they went to sleep... He kissed her, he hugged her, he caressed her, but before sleeping he always placed his sword between them warning her "If you ever try to get close to me, you'll find this sword instead!". The queen told that to the king who blamed himself "The man wanted to return to his village, we forced him to stay and marry our daughter... I will try to settle this." Except "settling this" meant for the king and queen "get rid of this guy".

So they told him: go fetch one of the Paradise apples. The girl-disguised-as-man talked with her horse about the quest. The horse told her what to do: his hooves had to be shoed the other way around (so nobody would follow them), and she had to take food for forty days. The horse and the girl rode for forty days and forty nights, and reached a lake where, every day, the girls of Paradise (daughters of Heaven/maidens of Paradise) went to bathe. And every time they brought one apple each and a piece of bread each to eat after their bath. The horse told the girl to steal the clothes of one of the maidens while they were in the lake - as such one got trapped into the waters, unable to get out. The maiden of Paradise asked for her clothes back, and the "young man" asked for her apple in exchange. She gave it to "him", plus the bread, got her clothes back and went home.

The "young man" returned, brought the apple to the king, but the queen and the princess were still mad at the whole "sword in bed" thing that continued. After one week the king sent his "son-in-law" for another quest: "There is a village that hasn't paid taxes in seven years. Go there to bring back the money". Except everybody knew all those that the king had sent to the village had been killed. The horse told the girl "It is a difficult task, but we will do it if you find 200 okas of wine, an iron mace of 300 okas, and food for forty days". Upon arriving to the village they were greeted by an armed soldier who tried to stop them, but the girl killed him with the mace. She entered in the village, asked them the seven years of taxes. The people tried to kill her - with her sword she killed a few, but the others soon got their own swords. The horse then opened the wine and poured it over the villagers, who screamed in horror and offered her whatever she wanted: because they believed the red wine was blood pouring out of the sky. The girl threw the mace on the ground, and they believed it was an earthquake. The villagers thought this man was sent by God and so they paid a full carriage of gold.

The entirety of the king's city acclaimed the returned son-in-law due to all the gold he had brought back. "How brave he was! How lucky we have been to not have been sent there in his place, we would all have been dead! Long life to him!". The king and the queen also were happy - though they feared him, dreading he would use his powers against them. The king however really liked his son-in-law, and started protecting him from all his enemies. But the queen and her daughter now wanted him dead and gone...

They asked for this so much the king summoned the young man a new time: "In my land, there is a large patch of fertile lands that gives two generous harvests a year. But nobody can go there, because there is a wild mare which wears a necklace of diamonds shining so bright it pushes away anyone who tries to get near it. The horse, hearing this, started lamenting "This mare is more powerful than me! We won't be able to do it!", but upon seeing his mistress cry the horse decided "We will still try to do it: ask the king for forty days of bread, fifty okas of good wine, and a hundred tfeet of thick wool. Fold th wool seven times and wrap it around me, so that the mare won't be able to bite me. I shall bite her back to harm her, and that's how we might vanquish her. Every Saturday she does to drink out of a specific well - you shall pour all the wine in it." As such, when on a hot and sunny morning the mare went to drink from her well, she became drunk. The horse attacked her, and there was a fight, but the mare could only bite the wool, while the horse bit off her flesh. The mare, wounded, laid on the ground and said "It smells like a son of a man! Spare me and I shall give you what you want!" The girl took the shining necklace off the mare and returned to the king's palace - it was a black night, but the necklace produced such a light it was as if it was day within the city and the palace. The king almost became mad ; the queen and the princess were very pleased at owning this wonderful jewel...

... but still the sword was in the bed. The princess asked "Until when will you keep putting this sword between us?" Answer: "I do not want to lose my strength! I still have other tasks to perform, we shall see after that!". The queen thus asked one final time to get rid of the boy. The king said "You have satisfied me by performing marvelous deeds, but I have one final task to ask you. If you succeed, I shall ask you nothing more. Bring me the fire of the Cyclop." The horse, upon hearing this, cried, "It is an impossible task. None came back from the Cyclop's land. And I do not know where this land is: but my mother might know, she lives by the sea-shore, where you found me. Throw in the water the reins, get her out of the water and she shall advice us. Thus it was done, and a very old mare got out of the water. She almost killed the girl, but the horse prevented her from doing so. The mother gave her this advice: "I am much too old to help you, for the Cyclops are numerous and fast. They are so wild and savage nobody can escape them. None came out of their land alive. But maybe we shall escape if you ask your king 200 okas of wine, 100 okas of soap, 100 okas of combs and 100 okas of food."

The maid mounted the mare and they went to the land of the Cyclops while the horse waited for them by the sea-shore. After forty days and forty nights they reached the land - hopefully there was nobody at the village, all the Cyclops were gone to the fair. All the houses were opened - the mare told the girl to steal the fire, put it in a handkerchief, and not be afraid because "Cyclop fire does not burn". They did so and they rode away. But as they escaped the village an old Cyclop got out of his house with a pot in his hand (because he wanted to go relieve himself). He saw them, understood all. He screamed and all the Cyclops arrived to hunt down the thief.

Each time they got close, the mare (who couldn't run fast) told the girl to throw her items. First the wine, that the Cyclops stopped to drink because they loved wine ; then the soap on which the Cyclops slid and fell ; then the combs, which tangled themselves around the Cyclops' feet. They finally reached the limits of the land of the Cyclops, and the tallest/grandest of the Cyclops had to stop - because they could not cross the limit of their land. But the Cyclop cursed the thief for taking away their "sacred fire": "If you are a man, become woman! If you are a woman, become a man!". The mare, hearing the Cyclop's curse, asked "Tell me, are you really a girl or a boy?" "I am a girl." "Then, from now on you are a boy: beware!".

The girl checked her own body and realized that indeed, she was a man now. The mare continued "I never had a man on my back before. My task is now done and I will die: let's go quickly by the sea-side." There they joined the horse, and the old mare died. The princess (now prince) returned to the castle on her horse. The king was amazed upon seeing his son-in-law return with the Cyclops' sacred fire. The young girl-now young man asked for a bath to be made, he went to his wife and asked her for a comb. She combed his hair and upon seeing them she thought "Maybe he is a girl!". However when they went to bed, he removed the sword and... well I'll let you guess the rest.

The following morning the happy princess told all to her mother, who was joyful. She told all to the king, who was also joyful. And it was decided that a new wedding would be organized - it also lasted forty days and forty nights.

Note: The original source of this tale is Xenos Xenitas' "Folklore of Kotyora", and was originally named "T'ysternopoul'". If you are interested in further stories of the sort, check out the fairytale type it belongs to, the ATU 514, "The Shift of Sex". It mostly follows the structure of the story above with some minor changes (usually it is a witch, not Cyclops, that the heroine must escape at the end ; there's episodes of a mother or delivering woman who presents a baby girl with a fake wax penis to pass it off as a boy (usually because the father wants a boy due to having too many girls already), etc...

[toadstoolwriting]

Star Crossed- Prologue

Warnings: Anxiety, gunshot wounds

Word count: 887

Series masterlist

Chapter One

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His chest heaved with every breath, his heart ramming against his chest. The noise of his legs hitting the ground with every step was deafening. He looked behind his shoulder, terrified of being followed. He kept running. As fast as he possibly could. The snow-covered mountains and hills around the base where he was kept would have provided a good cover if not for the fact that he was wearing only black clothing. His clothing and the metal arm permanently fused to his left shoulder would make it impossible to blend into his surroundings.

A burning sensation struck through his right shoulder. Instinctively, he ignored it as his conditioning dictated. Instead, his head whipped around, searching for the bullet's origin. Narrowing his eyes, he spots a figure on the mountainside. A sniper perched on top of the cliff. This would make getting down the mountain more difficult, as a sniper could spot him several miles away. Without any weapons to defend himself, all he could do was duck behind a boulder. Not to hide but for cover. Hopefully, if the sniper tried to shoot him, it would be enough to stop it.

He eventually made it down the mountain. By now, the sun had set, and it was dark. He found a road and followed it down to a small town. He had run with every might he had left in his body. He felt exhausted, his legs nearly carrying him as far as he could for miles and miles. He knew he needed to rest but couldn't because Hydra could be right behind him. A light came from behind him, his neck flinched in the direction. The beating of his chest was loud and erratic, as was his breathing. The car's headlights obstructed his vision, not allowing him to see the driver until the vehicle drove past him. His breath calmed as he kept moving, limping down the road until he could walk no longer.

He came upon a small diner on the edge of a town, its lights assaulting his eyes in the dark. Sighing, he knew that his body would give up at any time. Despite the serum that would forever pump through his blood, there was still only so much that his body could take, especially with the gunshot to his shoulder and the blood dripping down. He scoffed, completely forgetting about the blood that would lead a trail right to him. His eyes moved up to where he had been walking. He had lost a lot of blood, considering his eyes couldn't focus on the trail of it. Closing his eyes, he prayed to whatever could be there that there wasn't a trail from the mountain. He looked back at the diner, knowing that he would have to rest if he had any chance of survival. One leg slowly moved after the other. He came to the back of the diner, hoping that the back of it would have something to either hide him or treat his wounds.

He moved alongside the diner's wall, knowing he had snuck into high protocol facilities and other stealth missions. Images of his assignments have flashed before his eyes sometimes, but he always shook them out of his mind, not wanting the painful reminders of what he's done. He had no idea how he would get into the diner. From what he could see, surveying the outside of the building, it was just a typical diner. He noticed a window. Inside was a softly lit room. Considering the restaurant was relatively quiet but had a few patrons, he could bet no one was in the room. He looked around him. There was a simple trash can next to him. Looking inside, he found a box with tape still on it. He took the tape off the box and stuck it to the window. It covered enough of the window for him to punch it without it shattering, thus making a lot of noise. He withdrew his metal arm and quickly hit the glass, breaking it. Luckily for him, it didn't make much noise but a simple thud, praying that no one would come in and investigate. He took off the tape with the glass and then used his metal arm to get rid of the rest of the glass so he could get through without getting any more injuries. Carefully, he slipped in, and his feet hit the floor with a soft thud.

Looking around, he noticed the light coming from a window in the door that led to outside the room. He was in what looked to be an office. A simple chair was next to a desk, and along the wall were metal filing cabinets. The ground swayed under his feet, and his eyes struggled to focus. He needed to hurry. His hands found the handle to a cabinet on the desk. His vision blurred as everything grew more and more unfocused. Hurriedly, he opened it, nothing but papers. He looked in the other one, but nothing. He opened a drawer on the top, finally finding a first aid kit. Quickly, he grabbed it and desperately started wrapping his wound. While his vision blurred, he had great difficulty being able to stand. His legs faltered, and his eyes shut as his world went black.

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A/N: Thank you for reading! I have never written a fanfiction but I have faith in my writing abilities. I'm very excited to share this story and especially the romance. Be prepared for more to come!

See you in the next one! - Phrog

[maxiscoolongg]

"What! I cant do that!?"

💌; Chooch Bambalazi

Warnings: nothing much

—♡—

We successfully got candy on the plan, anyway right now we were getting ready for the dance and I was wearing a dress since there was really nothing but at least It fit the color scheme, me and chooch jumped off his bed and walked to Hash "hurry up with liceman outfit hash, we were supposed to have them outside his door an hour ago" chooch said as hash gave us the outfit them we walked out the door "Man I'm nervous" I said chuckling "Why?" He asked "I have to pretend I wanna sleep with lice" I said as he chuckled "At least you can sleep with someone else after" he said smirking as I made a surprised face "Chooch!" I said as we put the outfit out his door.

We walked into the dance a slow song was playing and I looked at him "May I have this dance?" I said smirking at him "You may " he said as he put his hands on my waist and I put my hands on his shoulders then I put my head on his chest as I put my hand In his as he put his free hand on my waist "you know this is my first dance with a guy" I said shyly "Really? Am I lucky" "Yes" I said in a chuckle "I didn't think you were much of a dancer chooch" "I'm not, but I will be for you" he said smoothly as I head my head in his chest as he grinned

When we went our ways I saw candy "Candy!" I said to her "Oh my! Y/n look at you" she said as I smiled "stopp I'm blushing" I said sarcastically smiling, then we saw hash I waved at him and he looked at us and came towards us we all started dancing then a bunch of bad singers came on me and candy covered our ears then they stopped "Shit that was bad " I said as another slow song came on I looked at her and smiled "May I?" I said to her "You may" she said back in a polish voice, we chuckled and we started dancing. I would definitely get with candy if she wasn't with Oliver and I wasn't dating Chooch, but not in a weird way!

Then everyone made a gasping sound and we went over there was a shit in the punch. I did a chuckle and looked at candy then at chooch "Help your self sir" he said as he turned around I made a smiling face at chooch then me and candy saw liceman and walked to him "Hi!" Candy started he then looked at us and I smiled at him winking "Its a nice dance ain't it?" I questioned him "it's alright. I particularly like te singing group, i thought they had a very fine style of their own" he said then I looked over and saw the guy chooch looked jealous sorta I giggled at him and blew a tiny kiss

"Tickle your asses with a feather?" Liceman asked "Maybe later" me and candy replied

Then us three walked away outside "Just have to get my over night bag" candy said pointing at her bag "Oh allow me miss.laura, you guys did say my room?" "Why not" I said grabbing his arm trying not to vomit, we followed him to his room he tried to unlock it but he was shaking so I grabbed it "Allow me" I said winking as I opened it I zoned out because I blinked and candy was draging me to the bathroom "But this on" she wishpered once we were in the bathroom my eyes widen "i- uh- ok.." I said sighing as I took my clothes off we both changed into the same stuff "Oh baby! That music is so sexy" I said on a tone as I made a uncomfortable face

"Get ready lover we'll be right there!" Candy said as we both looked uncomfortable "now don't start without us baby" I said "Keep your motor running baby!" Candy said "Here we come ready or not!" We said walking out he pulled us to the ground "Vaughn! Wait Vaughn! Not yet" I said "why don't you slip into something more comfortable" candy said "I do.. I doo... I doo.. have fairly nice legs" he Said as I did a fake chuckle "we really wanna be turned onn" i said to him as he got up and went to a cheast he started saying stuff like rope, string, feathers then me and candy pulled out a pink outfits for him

"Okay, Vaughn if you don't wanna turn us on.." candy said thus we started walking "Wait! I'll do it" he said as we turned back around. He went to the bathroom to get changed and me and candy ran to the door and opened it up "Come in come!" I wishpered as I noticed chooch staring at me up and down i smiled at him as candy pointed behind the couch i kissed chooch before he hid with Oliver. Then he came out "Ohh babyy~ it's so sexy" I said to him "Sexy?" He said chuckling as we nodded "whip us" candy said I looked at her and she looked at us.

He was about to do it before a flash came I got out and sighed in relief then Rodney came in "Uncle Vaughn, I think..those guys are up to something" "Ya think," I said sarcastically his eyes widen

That's where we are now I'm liceman office "That's right sir, might I add you look quite fetching in pink" Hash said making me chuckle "Doesn't he ike?" "Luscious." Ike said "I want my pictures back. And I want em' now, you stop playin' with my things and get out from behind my desk" liceman said as chooch nocked down hus soldiers "This is no way to treat your friends sir." Hash said "That's right. Friends would settle this in a sporting manner, sir" Oliver said "Like how?" Sir said as chooch got an idea "Like the winner of the soccer game gets to keep all the pictures" he said as I grabbed his hand "Now lemme get this correctly now, who ever wins the soccer game gets to keep all the pictures?" Liceman said as ike grinned "Say it again chooch." "Oooo... gentlemen and women you drive a hard bargain" I sighed at the women part again

""My friends... I will see you on the soccer field." Liceman said to us "Lookin' forward to it, sir" chooch said as we all walked out of his office.

[p-artsypants]

I Do...I Guess? (13) Home

Ao3 | FF.net

“Hey hey, Boychik. It’s time to be rising and shining!” 

Tidus felt like he was experiencing Deja vu. He could have sworn that was how he was awakened the day before. 

“Yeah lazy bones,” Wakka echoed. “Can’t you hear the wedding bells?” 

Tidus perked up at that, suddenly awake and surprised. “I’m getting married—again!” 

“And some people get divorced in between.” Wakka chuckled. 

Tidus leapt from the bed and put on the rest of his clothes. “You’re just jealous.” 

Wakka rested his hands on his hips. “Honestly, I’m really not. I love Yuna, and I know you two are happy with your decision. But I don’t envy what’s to come for you.” 

As Tidus tied his shoes, he gave Wakka a withering glance. “Let’s not talk about that today, huh?” 

“You got it, bud.” 

Tidus was whisked away to get fitted for some wedding attire. The seamstresses basically just cleaned him up and made him look presentable. They took away his yellow jacket, and removed his gloves and armor. Then they unzipped the longer leg of his overalls to make him look symmetrical. Finally, they undid one of the straps on his uniform and tucked it away, while covering the other side with a white sash that went over the shoulder and around the waist. 

The look was a distinguished acolyte instead of star blitz player. 

“I look ridiculous,” Tidus grouched, adjusting the sash. 

“You looked ridiculous to begin with.” The seamstress sassed back, not knowing he mostly understood her. 

He met up with the rest of the party, sans Yuna, in the event room. Finishing touches were going up. The tables had navy blue tablecloths, and pots with white and light pink flowers. The rest of the room felt very tropical as the corners were filled with all sorts of plants. In short, enough decoration to feel like a party, without using up any supplies. 

“C’mere!” Wakka grabbed him by the arm and dragged him to where the party was waiting, over by the bar. Auron was pouring out shots. 

“Really? It’s ten in the morning.” 

“Special occasion.” 

He made up one for each of them, then held his own out. “Tomorrow, we head for Bevelle. There’s no telling where Yuna’s journey will go from there. But today, we’re going to make it special for her, so that when she gets to Zanarkand, she won’t have any regrets. Let’s make her story a good one.” 

They clinked their glasses together and downed the drinks, though Tidus hesitated. Something about Bevelle made him anxious. He hoped that explaining to Mika would be enough, but he dreaded what would happen. 

Yuna knew what she was getting into becoming a Summoner, and she was prepared in her heart for that ending, even if he wasn’t. 

It wouldn't be fair if she didn’t even get that far. 

Filled with a new determination to see Yuna through to the end, whatever that was, Tidus took the shot and slammed the glass on the counter. “Let’s do this!” 

—-

Now this felt like a wedding. Standing at the front of a collection of Al Bhed, who were all seated in rows of chairs that formed an aisle. Wearing clothes that were at least sort of formal, while the musicians from the woods played soft, romantic music. Wakka and Cid were just behind him, looking cleaned up and presentable. 

The rest of the party sat in the front row, calm, collected, but pleasantly happy. 

Except for Rikku, she was bouncing in her seat with glee. 

He had asked earlier if anyone was going to be groomsmen or bridesmaids, but no one seemed to understand what he was talking about. Perhaps that was a tradition that had died over the years. 

So, besides Wakka and Cid, he was alone at the altar, and growing more and more anxious by the second. 

Did he want to back out? No. But it felt different this time. The first wedding was so quick and impromptu, it felt more like a contract being agreed to. More like a formal ceremony for him to be a guardian. ‘Husband’ felt like a title just above guardian. Like super ultra guardian. 

And their journey thus far hadn’t felt like a marriage, given all the trials and tragedies that had occurred. 

There had been moments that felt like dates, like their dance on the Moonflow, or their first night together at Djose. But given the time they had been separated by someone or other, and the whole ordeal with Seymour, these last few days felt less like a Honeymoon and more like a trial of worthiness. 

Tidus’ tumultuous thoughts came to a screeching halt as the doors on the other side of the room opened, and Yuna, his bride, appeared. 

Festooned in white satin, lace, and pearls, the summoner walked gracefully and delicately down the aisle. Her dress was mid calf length, and flared out. She had a large bow at her back, fashioned in the same manner as her obi. A fine veil draped over her lightly curled hair, and was pinned in place by the diadem he had given her the night before. 

“Uh oh,” he whispered. 

“Uh oh what?” Wakka inquired, concerned.

“Uh oh, there goes my heart.” Tidus laughed helplessly. 

Wakka hummed and patted him on the back. 

Yuna arrived before him entirely too soon. He hadn’t regained his composure. 

“Hi,” she smiled. 

“Huh,” he returned, the sound almost like the honking of a goose. 

She giggled, holding a hand over her face. 

“I lied last night,” he blurted. “This is the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.” 

The color on her cheeks only enhanced her unearthly beauty. “You’re looking very handsome yourself.” 

He snorted and held his hands out, allowing her to take them. 

Wakka cleared his throat, and spoke in a rehearsed, formal tone that Tidus hadn’t expected of him. “We are gathered here this afternoon to unite Summoner Yuna and her Guardian, Tidus, in wedded bliss.” Then he paused to allow Cid to translate. 

Tidus, the only one of the party, besides Rikku, to be tangentially fluent in Al Bhed, was the only one to notice that Cid’s translation was…creative. 

“Thanks for coming! My Niece is gettin’ hitched, properly, to her guardian, Tidus. If you want to party, you have to sit through the whole ceremony! It means a lot to me!” 

Rikku very subtly hid her face behind her hand.

“Marriage is a sacred and serious union, with a foundation built on trust, honesty, commitment, and above all else, love.” 

Tidus felt his face flush again.

“These two young people come here today to do just that, to embark on a journey of discovery between man and woman.”

Thankfully, Cid decided to stop ad libbing and translate more or less exactly. 

“Yuna is a summoner, with a grave task ahead of her. In that regard, Tidus also has a grave task. To marry a summoner is to volunteer for a lifetime of heartache. But for the time that comes before, those moments are more precious than any gold or diamonds.” 

Yuna’s hands tightened around his own, her eyes downcast.

“But this life isn’t all that there is. In a blink of an eye, the Farplane will embrace you, and you’ll be together, forever. So while the looming task is daunting, today is a celebration, for eternal friendship and ultimate sacrifice.

“Yuna, do you promise to cherish and care for your husband, honoring him in this life and the next?”

“I do,” she said, earnesty pouring from her. 

“Tidus,” Wakka addressed him. “Do you promise to protect your wife, upholding your vow as a guardian, as well as honoring and loving her until death?” The look that he gave was severe, and almost threatening. 

“I promise,” Tidus said, meeting the look with one of his own. 

Wakka nodded, pleased. “Then, in Al Bhed tradition, you are now united as husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!” 

The Al Bhed audience started chanting, ‘kiss, kiss, kiss’ after Cid translated what Wakka had said. 

Tidus gently lifted Yuna’s veil and draped it back. 

“A Zanarkand kiss?” she asked, softly. 

He nodded emphatically and wrapped an arm around her waist. 

The teasing turned into cheers and wolf whistles as Tidus dipped her, and kissed her deeply. 

She seemed just as breathless as the first time he did it. But nonetheless smiling brightly. 

Before anything else could be said, Brother jumped up on his chair and yelled, “party! Yaaahh! Ya Ya! Party! Yaaahh!” 

Music started playing, and Tidus took Yuna back down the aisle before they could get swept up in the chaos. 

“We did it!” Yuna sang triumphantly. 

“Yeah. Pretty painless, huh?” 

She giggled. 

Wakka joined up with them. “Well, it certainly didn’t take them long to switch into party mode! All that work yesterday, and it’s over in a few minutes.” 

“It’s about what I expected.” Yuna chuckled. 

“So, how did I do?” 

“You did a great job, Wakka.” 

“Yeah, real great,” Tidus scoffed. “I liked the part where you were like ‘hey, Yuna’s gonna die, so this marriage is gonna be short.’” 

“Hey!” Wakka defended. “I watched a ton of Al Bhed ceremonies, and the officiant always emphasized that this was a ‘lifelong bond’ and ‘these two are committed to being married until death’. It’s like a big thing for them!” 

“Because they all live so close together,” Yuna said. “It would be painful for everyone if the marriage ended prematurely. Still, I think you did a wonderful job, Wakka.” 

He beamed, hands on his hips in pride. 

Soon after, the rest of the party joined them. 

“You surprised me,” said Lulu to Wakka. “I didn’t know you had it in you to be so serious.” 

“What can I say? It was for Yuna, it had to be perfect.” 

“Aww, ya big softie.” Rikku elbowed him.

“Less talking! More dancing!” Brother swept into the group and shoved Lulu into Wakka, Yuna into Tidus, and Rikku into Kimahri. 

Tidus held onto Yuna’s waist as she steadied herself, giggling. 

Wakka and Lulu shuffled away from each other, avoiding eye contact like a couple of pre-teens.

Rikku just rolled with the chaos. She took Kimahri’s paws and shuffled back and forth. “What do ya say, Big Guy? Wanna dance?” 

Kimahri huffed, then said, “Kimahri not know how to dance.” 

“It’s not hard, I’ll show you!” And she dragged him to where all the other celebrants were dancing. 

Tidus looked to Auron, only to find him gone. He spotted him over at the bar, behind the counter helping the Al Bhed bartender pour drinks. 

“Looks like everyone is having fun,” Yuna mentioned. “Would you like to dance?” 

“Sure!” his voice cracked. 

The Al Bhed music wasn’t really…slow dance material. There was a lot of electric guitars and yodeling. Al Bhed dancing was even stranger, mostly flinging limbs in unpredictable ways. This resulted in gratuitous amounts of slaps and smacks that everyone seemed to play off rather well. 

As the night went on, the guests got drunker and more rowdy. Tidus and Yuna were asked to dance with all different guests, drunk or sober. 

There was no formal dinner. Just a buffet open to pick through when guests were too tired to dance. 

Yuna sat at a table by the altar, designated for her and her guardians. “I don’t think I’ve ever danced that much before.” She chuckled lamely, rubbing her foot. 

“Cid was not kidding,” Tidus huffed as he sat beside her, putting two plates down, and then an arm around her shoulder. “These people are party animals!” His gaze moved over to a group at the bar that were chanting ‘chug chug’ in Al Bhed, a man in the center holding a large wine bottle up to his lips. Auron was near the group, an almost devious smile on his lips. “Does this at least feel more like a wedding for you?” 

“Oh yes!” she agreed a little breathlessly. “To see so many people having fun, letting loose for a little while…it’s nice. That was…what Seymour was trying to convince me with back then. But now, I’m happy too, and I don’t have to pretend.” 

Tidus gave her a soft smile. 

Rikku plopped down in the chair next to Yuna with her own plate of food. She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a loud siren sounding. 

“What is that?!” Yuna sat up quickly. 

A guard’s voice shouted over the speakers. “Fiends!” 

The most sober guests ran for the stairs and lifts, ready for action. 

“Welp,” said Rikku. “Party’s over.” 

Something about those two little words filled Yuna with a sense of discontent. She stood. “Not if I can help it.” 

“Yuna?” Tidus stood as well. He was ready to join the fight with her, follow wherever she went. 

It looked like the other guardians shared the sentiment as the other guardians started towards her. 

Yuna smiled at her husband. “It’s alright. I won’t get close.” Instead of going to the lifts, she headed over to the large domed windows, where there was a door leading to a small maintenance balcony. She grabbed a broom along the way, and carefully went outside, followed by Tidus and Lulu. 

The hot wind was powerful this high up, and they braced against the window. Yuna carefully shuffled over to have plenty of room. 

Here in the dying light of day, they saw the several waves of angry fiends cresting the dunes towards home. Enough to cause a problem and overwhelm the guns of the guards. 

“Why are there so many?” Tidus exclaimed. 

“It’s hard to say,” explained Lulu. “Perhaps they are seeking revenge for the fiends Kimahri hunted, or maybe they are drawn by the festivities.” 

“The Al Bhed have been so kind,” said Yuna. “I’ve been trying to find a way to express my appreciation for all they have done. This is the least I can do.” She raised the broom over her head, and Tidus realized she was using it as a makeshift staff, so she wouldn’t have to waste time retrieving hers. 

She raised it high, and then slammed the end down onto the balcony. A new glyph appeared on the window behind her, a deep ocean blue. 

“What?” Lulu wondered, just loud enough to be heard.

“What what?” Tidus asked. 

“I don’t know what temple that’s from.” 

Then the ground started shaking. A massive, crushing rumble that caused everyone else to brace for impact. 

Bursting through the sand dune came a gargantuan serpent, roaring with fiercity as it wriggled up to the sky. It was no Sin, but it could rival the beast. It might have even been bigger than Seymour’s Aeon. 

From inside, Tidus could hear Wakka cheering and hollering, while Rikku frantically called to the other Al Bhed, “cease fire! That’s an aeon!” 

But most of what else was going on went unnoticed as he stood in awe of this fantastic beast. It arched, diving back into the sand where the mass of the fiends still gathered, sending up a plume of Pyreflies. Then it surfaced again, and sprayed a blast of water at the remaining fiends. 

Then the battle was over. Just like that, the aeon had cleaned up, and not a single Al Bhed had made it to battle. 

Cheers rang out from Home, wolf whistles and chants of, “Yuna! Yuna!” 

The aeon turned and approached her, now appearing gentle, almost dainty. It lowered its head so Yuna could pet its snout. 

“I promised you, didn’t I?” she said softly. “And you got to protect your home. Your people.” 

The aeon huffed, a cool ocean breeze wafting over the balcony. Then it looked to the sky, and faded away into Pyreflies. 

“Wh-wh-what was that?!” Tidus shouted. 

“Where did you find that Aeon?” Lulu added, less hysterical. 

Yuna shyly twirled a lock of hair with her finger. “While we were separated yesterday, Gippal showed me a long buried temple they had uncovered. The Fayth was still intact, so I communed with her.” 

“That’s awesome!” Tidus exclaimed enthusiastically. “And you never would have found her if we hadn’t come here! Come on, we should tell the others!” He reached out and took her hand. 

As they came inside, there was more cheering as the Al Bhed swept Yuna up with a chair and carried her to the head table. 

Tidus watched with pride as she was paraded around the room, some of the Al Bhed even doing the Yevon bow. 

And Yuna was beaming. She was shy, of course, half covering her face in embarrassment as the praise kept rolling, but her smile was huge and joyful. 

Then, it clicked for Tidus. 

Yuna had been happy and smiling all day. But a content, soft smile. What was giving her real joy, was seeing how happy everyone was now. Not necessarily happy for her, but happy they were safe. 

Of course, he knew that Yuna wanted everyone to be safe from Sin, or else she wouldn’t be doing this pilgrimage. But seeing it in action changed his perspective. 

Being a Blitzball star had been his father’s legacy, and while he loved the sport, there had always been this expectation to be like him, or better than him. Tidus assumed, up until now, it was the same for Yuna. 

But her joy was clear. Bringing the Calm was her true desire. And so it was time to stop trying to convince her to quit, and time to figure out how to get her through Bevelle, defeat Sin, and live to see the Calm after. 

How? He was still stuck on the first part. He knew next to nothing about the tenets of Yevon. What about the whole truth would get them into trouble? To them, Seymour was in the wrong, and everything was his fault. 

But what about the Fayth? Could Yevon revoke Shiva’s power because of what she did? Was that possible? Would they really do that? What if a replacement was demanded? What if Yuna was forced to take Shiva’s place as punishment? 

Tidus shook his head. No, they couldn’t possibly go that far. It wasn’t practical. In all likelihood, Mika would forbid her from finishing her pilgrimage, at which point, they would have to find a way to get her to Zanarkand anyway. 

“Here,” Auron set down a glass of wine in front of him. “You look like you’re thinking of something unpleasant. I know what, but it’s your wedding day. Leave that line of thinking to the rest of us.” 

Tidus swirled the wine, before asking, “Will the Fayth that helped us get into trouble?” 

Auron’s eyebrows raised. “The one in Macalania? No. She doesn’t exist on this plane. The worst they could do is shatter her statue, at which point she’d be free to go to the Farplane, and Spira would be down an Aeon. Not a good look for Yevon.” 

“And they wouldn’t make Yuna take her place as punishment?” 

“You really have been thinking a lot, haven’t you?” He smirked. “A Fayth has to be completely willing, or it won’t work. Yevon has never forced someone to become a Fayth because of that. They’ve strongly encouraged and tried to manipulate people into doing it, but never outright forced. Does that ease your mind?” 

“About 50 percent.” 

“We’re going to get Yuna to Zanarkand, with or without Yevon’s blessing.” 

“I guess that’s the other 50 percent then,” Tidus chuckled humorlessly. 

Auron hummed, patted his shoulder, and went back to the bar. 

—-

Hours later, while the party was still raging, Rikku escorted Tidus and Yuna to their room. It had been several early mornings and full days. The exhaustion was apparent on both of their faces. 

“Here we are! The Honeymoon suite!” 

It was a little room, nothing special about it. A large bed and a circular window on the wall. 

“The communal showers are at the end of the hall. Lulu and I will be in my room, three doors to the left, if you need anything.” 

“Thanks Rikku.” Yuna smiled. 

Rikku grinned before singing, “have fun!” And skipping off. 

Tidus shook his head at her antics. “Yuna, don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t wanna. I want you to feel safe and comfortable with me. So we don’t gotta like…y’know.” He was so confident when he started, and then got embarrassed halfway through. 

“Thank you.” Yuna gave a little sigh. “It’s nothing against you, I’m just…still getting used to kissing.” 

“I understand.” 

“But…I don’t know when we’ll have another chance…” 

He shook his head. “Don’t force yourself. We’ll find time when you’re ready.” 

She didn’t seem so sure. 

Tidus noticed the pajamas left on the bed. A white silk nightie, and a black silk robe. “Here, wanna get changed out of that dress?” He held the nightie out to her. 

“I’d like to take a shower…if you could help me out of this?” 

“Gladly!” 

Carefully, he set the diadem and veil on the dresser, untied her obi, and undid the several buttons down her back. “There we go.” 

“Thank you, I’ll be back in a minute.” 

“I’ll go down with you, I’m kind of sweaty from all that dancing.” 

“Okay.” 

Tidus draped the robe over his arm and walked with her down the hall. She seemed shy again, and he wondered if it was because he brought up the topic of intimacy. Well, Rikku actually had. He could blame this on her. 

Tidus finished first and returned to the room to wait. As he returned, he noticed their belongings had been placed in the corner of the room. Her staff leaned against the wall, with his sword crossing over it. 

He laid on the bed, relaxing in the quiet and enjoying the cool air from the duct above. After a while, he could hear the party faintly from upstairs. Not enough to bother them if they fell asleep, though. 

Yuna returned a few minutes later, timidly knocking on the door. 

“Come in!” 

The nightie looked way too good on her. The skirt was high on her thigh, and the neckline and back both scooped deliciously low. Her hair was damp, but towel-tussled. 

“Wow,” he blurted. 

“What?” 

“Uh I just…haven’t seen so much of your legs before.” 

She looked down at herself, and then up at him. “Do you like my legs?” 

“Yes! They’re uh, very nice!”

She chuckled, and gave a snort, which made Tidus chuckle. “Don’t make fun of me.” 

“I’m not! I think it’s cute.” He scooted over on the bed and patted the space next to him. 

“Oh! Um, just a minute…” she went over to her bag and fetched a brush. Thankfully, there was a small mirror on the dresser, and she got to work untangling her hair. As she worked, she hummed softly. 

“What song is that?” 

“What? Oh hmm nothing really.” 

“Did you come up with it? You wanted to be an entertainer if you weren’t a summoner, right?” 

She gaped at him. “You remembered that?” 

“Sure! It was one of the first things I learned about you. So…?” 

“Yes, it’s my own tune,” she admitted, shyly. 

“Can you sing it?” 

“No, it’s not ready. I have some idea of what I want to do with it, but it needs work.” 

“Ah. Well, I’m no musician, but I’m willing to help.” 

She giggled. “That’s alright. It doesn’t ever need to be completed.” 

He didn’t seem willing to let this go. “What’s it about? A love song?” He waggled his eyebrows. 

“I suppose…it could be. The lyrics are a little ambiguous. More or less, it’s about how exhausting all the fighting in Spira is. We have Sin to worry about, and yet…people can’t help but find a reason to be upset with their neighbors. The Al Bhed and Yevon, other summoners, even the Blitzball teams have more animosity than friendly competition.” 

He couldn’t argue with that. 

“It’s written like a quarrel between lovers, and in a way, it’s like I’m quarreling with the world I love. I have one line I’m certain about, that goes…” she took a sharp breath and sang, “let’s not fight, I’m tired, can we just sleep?” 

Tidus’ pulse quickened at the beautiful sound of her singing voice. Just a little taste, and he was hooked. “Wow!”

“I know. It’s very heavy subject matter—“ 

“No no, I meant, wow, your voice is beautiful!” 

She blushed and turned back to the mirror. “It’s not that special.” 

“I think it’s really amazing.” 

“…thank you.” 

“So it’s settled. We’re getting you to Zanarkand, you’ll defeat Sin and survive, and then go on tour as a performer and High Summoner.” 

She balked at him. “What?! I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself.” 

“On the contrary!” He popped up on his knees. “If we plan for the future, then we have something to look forward to!” 

She sat at the end of the bed. “Yes, it’s a very nice thought, but…the final summon…” 

“Is supposed to kill you, yeah yeah I know, but I’m working on it. There’s gotta be a loophole.” 

Then she smiled at him. A sad smile, but one still full of gratitude. “I appreciate the sentiment all the same. I always did. Even before you knew what would happen. You would say things like, ‘after we defeat Sin, we’ll go and do this.’ It made me really happy. Imagining the ‘what if’s.’ I love Wakka and Lulu, but they get so caught up in the seriousness of it all, the mourning period…it hurts.” 

“I’m sure it does.” 

“It’s like…what if I was sick instead? What if I only had a few months to live? I would want those months to be full of fun and adventure and laughter and meaning…not grieving.” 

“I am serious though, Yuna. I’m gonna find a way to save you. I’m not just saying that.” 

“I know. You never ‘just say’ anything. You declare intentions, and then you follow through. It’s very admirable.” 

“Auron would say it’s foolish.” 

“Auron just wishes he could be so confident.” 

“He’d call it impulsive.” 

“I call it assertive.” 

He smiled at her. “Well, thanks.” 

Her smile was brighter this time. Eyes alight with mirth. Her previous shyness had seemed to wither, now that she grew comfortable with him again. 

“So…” 

“So…?” She tilted her head, interested in what he had to say. 

“What’s next? What’s the plan for Bevelle?” 

She looked down to her lap, thinking. 

“I mean, I’m sure tomorrow Auron, Wakka, and Lulu will argue about a plan that consists of ‘leave it to us’ but I wanna know what you want to do, Yuna. What do you think?” 

“I…have been thinking about it. But I don’t know if it’s a good idea.” 

“I want to hear it anyway,” he persisted. 

“Well…what if just you and I were to go, and the rest of the guardians wait behind? I could throw myself at Mika’s mercy, and appear as non-threatening as possible. We give the others a time limit, so that if we don’t return in a few days, they need to come and…I don’t know, break us out of the dungeon or whatever punishment Mika sees fit.” 

Tidus crossed his arms, mulling it over. “What would you say?” 

“The truth. That Seymour murdered his father, and that we went to confront him about it, and he summoned an Aeon against us. We didn’t even have the chance to fight back before the Fayth became enraged by his actions and destroyed her temple, killing him in the process.” 

“And why we hid after?” 

“The fear of retaliation, even if we were innocent.” 

He nodded. “And why did we feel the need to confront Seymour?” 

“In Guadosalam, I went to the Farplane to visit my parents. While there, Lord Jyscal appeared to me of his own accord. He looked unwell, even from the Farplane. He told me where to find evidence of Seymour’s treachery.” 

“Do you still have it?” 

“Rikku does. I’ll get it from her tomorrow.” 

“And I still have his signet ring,” he added. “Which was the indicator that he was murdered. And, I wonder if we could find that other Guado that was in the background of Jyscal’s sphere, the one that put it behind the portrait?” 

“It’s likely he is in hiding. If Seymour hasn’t already killed him too. I am unsure how deep this runs.” 

“Welp,” he flopped onto his back. “Looks like another couple of busy days coming. We better get some rest.” 

Yuna hesitated a moment, and then laid down beside him. She hummed as she stretched out on the mattress. “This is nice.” 

“Yeah.” He turned to face her and gave her a little kiss to the lips. “Good night.”

She stared at him, eyes glistening. 

“Yuna?” 

“Thank you, for everything.” 

“Oh, sure thing.” He gave a confused smile. 

“Do you mind if I…?” 

“What?” 

She shuffled closer, and manually moved his arm out of the way so she could rest against his chest. “I just…wanted to be close.” 

He hummed, the sound vibrating in his chest next to her ear. He wrapped his arm around her. “I’d like to be close to you too.” 

[thedo0zyslider]

Love Come In, The Water Is Fine - 3K Words

Martyn and Ren finally get some vacation time, that may or may not include tormenting each other at the pool.

My first work for @treebarktitleswap! I hate that it took me this long to write it, but it's here and was very fun to write! My other two will be out later in the week <3

A03 Link

Martyn hums, listening to the other hum of the elevator as it descends. Ren stands beside him, his tail flicking idly against the blonde’s leg every so often. His boyfriend holds two towels draped over his arm, and Martyn holds a swim bag full of miscellaneous little things they both thought to bring. The couple was currently headed down to their hotel’s pool, something neither of them find themselves doing often.

They’ve booked this hotel for a few days, being in this city for two mutual friend’s wedding. And they could’ve booked the hotel where most of their other friends were staying, but Martyn had conveniently not seen the messages in the group chat discussing hotel agreements. It wasn’t often he and Ren got to travel, and maybe the blonde just wanted to spend some time alone with Ren on a nice trip for once. Without having to worry about any of their friends hanging around. For as much as he loves them all, their group tends to be three things: loud, nosey, and very clingy. Besides, everyone else's hotel was literally across the street anyways, they could just walk over if they really needed anything.

Martyn is in a simple outfit, a faded green t-shirt and his swim shorts. He's also wearing his cross, the ones with all the stupid charms on them. He was wearing them for the whole trip, minus the wedding festivities, to annoy several of their friends. His fashion sense would not be deterred by any naysayers, not on his watch.

Ren was in similar clothes, a gray shirt and his own swim trunks. Though the shirt is much newer and nicer than Martyn's is, with considerably less holes around the collar too. He'd only worn the old thing for swimming anyways, and didn't really care how other hotel goers looked at them, especially this late at night. Though the poor employees probably wouldn't appreciate the late night swim.

Ren’s tail thumps against the elevator wall next to him, now moving rather rapidly. Martyn holds back a giggle once he sees it’s moving faster. He doesn't know if his partner is excited to spend time with him, or if he's excited about the pool. Either way, it's really cute.

“What are you laughing at?” Ren asks, fully unaware of what his tail is doing. He raises an eyebrow, right as his tail thus against the elevator wall again. Martyn has to hold back an amused snort, a hand reaching up to cover his mouth.

“Nothing, Nothing!” The blonde giggles, catching a glimpse of his boyfriend’s tail. It’s still wagging and thumping against the wall, just at a much slower rate now. He wonders how Ren hasn’t heard the noise yet, or if he’s just so used to his tail smacking things it has become white noise. The latter seems far more likely.

Ren lets out a sad sounding little whine, the one he knows always tugs on his boyfriend’s heartstrings. “Martynnn, c’mon.” It doesn’t really have the desired effect this time, only making the blonde giggle harder. His tail is now flicking with faux upsetness, and it's just really really funny today for some reason. Or this pool adventure is just making him unusually giddy.

Martyn manages to finally calm his laughing fit, moving his hand away from his mouth. Though a chuckle or two still slips out after his words. “Sorry! Your tail’s just really cute.”

“I suppose it is, if it makes you laugh so much.” Ren sighs, letting out a small laugh of his own. Martyn lets out another snort at the comment, reaching over to give his boyfriend a quick peck on the cheek. A happy sound comes from the back of Ren’s throat at the peck, but before either of them can say anything the elevator beeps, and the door slowly slides open. It seems they’ve reached the ground floor, then, much to Martyn’s surprise. He kinda forgot they were in an elevator during that whole exchange, if he had to be honest.

“C’mon!” Ren says, getting all excited again, his tail hitting the wall again. Martyn holds back yet another giggle as his hand is grabbed, and he’s slightly dragged out of the elevator. He puts one hand over the bag, making sure none of its contents spill in their haste, and lets his boyfriend excitedly drag him around like a ragdoll.

It was pretty late at night, the hotel’s lobby being bathed in a mix of darkness and artificial light. It was warm and cozy, a few other vacationers sitting on plush looking couches. No one really paid the couple any mind, nothing more than an amused glance, as they moved through the lobby; Martyn’s boyfriend still dragging him along. Their fellow hotel goers just continued their conversations, or whatever they were doing, and soon enough the noise of the lobby faded.

The noise was quickly replaced by the strong smell of chlorine, indicating their new proximity to the pool. From what the signs said it was actually just a few doors down from where they currently were. The blonde just wrinkled his nose at the smell, knowing he'd adjust to it sooner rather than later. Well, more like he'd have to adjust to it, considering Ren was already pushing the pool door open, and gave him another large whiff of the chlorine. The smell was always a necessary evil when it came to swimming, he supposed.

The two of them walked into the room, one brighter than the lobby had been. The pool was a few feet away, and down a few steps as well, its interior lights bathing the whole room in a white glow. But a good kinda white glow, one that reflected nicely off the water and made the room feel a bit homey, just like the rest of their hotel seemed to feel. For the most part anyways, the elevator not included. Though it was a little hard to make an elevator feel homey, Martyn had to admit.

The pool area, from what Martyn can see, is actually pretty big for a hotel. Usually they're a little small, cramped, and crowded, but this one seems to be able to hold over ten people comfortably; and with room to double that number and then some. Though maybe the lack of people is making the room feel bigger than it actually is. Their hotel isn't exactly fancy anyways, the fancy one is across the street with all their dumb friends.

The pool was closing in thirty minutes, which was great, because all the little kids and the sane, normal people were leaving. He and Ren were just now arriving, like the maniacs they were. He says a mental apology to anyone who has to close and clean up the pool, and pushes the glass door open. Ren follows behind, his tail wagging as soon as he sees the water. Though it’s not thumping against anything, so he is spared of his partners giggles this time.

“Looks like we have the pool all to ourselves, eh.” Martyn remarks with a smile, setting down his small bag of swim goodies. Ren places the towels beside it, and sets his sunglasses on top of them.

“Indeed we do.” He agrees, blue eyes scanning over the empty pool area. The completely empty pool, actually. Martyn would've expected at least a few people to still be hanging around, a few kids who didn't want to leave just yet. But it seems everyone had retreated for the night, and left the best part of the pool empty and free. What a lucky coincidence that had to be.

“Any indication how deep it is?” Martyn asks, crouching next to the shallow side. His voice echoes off the walls, filling the empty room entirely. It makes it sound like the two are in a cave, just a little bit. A cave just for them. And he can swim, by the way, it's just been a few years since he really did. He also isn't a big fan of drowning, and would like to know how far he can go in this thing.

Ren scans around the dark pool area for a minute, before shrugging. “I dunno, but it can't be more than six feet.” He crouched next to Martyn with a small shrug, dipping a hand in the water experimentally. “It feels kinda cold, though.”

“It’s always cold when you first get in, silly.” Matyn says rather fondly, scooting back from the edge a bit. He slips his crocs off, not wanting to ruin them or lose their accessories in the water, and places them next to the towels and bag. Ren does the same with his own shoes after a moment, when he gets done testing the water's temperature.

Martyn’s the first one to actually get in the water, stepping in at the shallow end. Ren stays on the side, watching a little carefully as his partner wades into the pool. The most he does is dip his feet into the pool, despite his earlier enthusiasm for their small venture. Martyn wonders what that earlier tail wagging was for, and also wonders if Ren is too tired for swimming right now. Which would be understandable, it was pretty late and they’d had a long two days before this. But that wouldn’t stop The blonde from teasing him, though.

“You were so excited to come but you won't even get in.” He teases with a smirk. Martyn wades over to where Ren is sitting, kicking against the pool’s floor idly. “What happened to all that enthusiasm, huh?”

The dog gives a lame excuse, his ear twitching in amusement. “I don’t wanna get my fur cold!” He says, a small but playful pout on his face. His partner immediately interprets that as a challenge to him in the pool by any means possible. They only have a limited time down here, after all, why waste it?

“I'll splash you if you don't get in.” Martyn threatens, standing right next to the water’s edge. He feels a grin stretch across his face, and he rests his chin on the concrete edge of the pool, a few inches away from where his boyfriend sits. “Or worse.”

Ren snorts lightly, like he underestimates his boyfriend’s words. A foolish thing to do, indeed, he should know better than that by now surely. “No you won’t”

“Really? I won’t? ” Martyn’s grin becomes a cheeky one, and he imagines it stretches across his face like the Grinch’s did in the movie. The old animated movie, ya know, the good one, that iconic Grinch smile.

“Nah.” Ren says breezily, as if daring Martyn to do exactly what he’s thinking. He kicks at the water with his feet, as if care and worry free. Like his boyfriend currently isn’t preparing to drag him underwater like some ancient sea beast.

“That sounds like a challenge!” He exclaims, and then surges forward to grab Ren by his waist. He lets a loud laugh spill out, and drags both of them down and into the water. Whatever Ren is about to say is cut off with a loud yell, and Martyn has to move to the side as they fall in, so his boyfriend doesn’t fall on top of him and accidently drown him.

“Martyn!” Ren yelps out, as he falls right into the pool. The blonde giggles at his successful work, swimming out of the impact zone. Ren falls into the pool with a rather big splash, struggling to right himself in the water. Which is exactly why Martyn hadn't done this in the deep end, neither of them were the best swimmers in the world, admittedly. He’d made sure not to do it exactly in the shallow end though, in case it would’ve made Ren hit his head.

His partner’s head re-emerges after a minute, his hair all wet and sticking to his face. He looks very silly like that, endearingly so. “I'm gonna get you for that!” Ren exclaims, and pushes the soaking wet blob of brown away from his eyes, revealing an amused expression underneath it all.

“Are you now?” Martyn giggles, a cheeky little tease escaping his lips. His partner had a pouty look on his face, and the blonde fought the urge to swim over and kiss it off. He can do that when he’s not in danger of being dunked underwater. “You look like a wet dog.”

“I am a wet dog! And it's your fault!” Ren exclaims, clearly flailing to stop his own laughter. Though it is interrupted by him (rather unflatteringly) coughing up some pool water. Though that is Martyn’s fault, to be completely fair.

“You know you love me~” He teases, watching as Ren starts to swim closer, till they are both in the shallow end. Normally he would swim away, fearing a retribution for his attacks, but figures he won’t mind it much this time. It’s not often he gets to mess around in a pool anymore, and kinda misses doing so with his friends during their younger years.

The brunette sighs, wrapping his arms around Martyn’s shoulder once he can reach him. “Yes, I do.” He nuzzles his nose into Martyn’s cheek, and the other can’t help but melt just a little bit. He always found it adorable when Ren did that.

“You big sap.” He mumbled fondly, moving in. Ren smiled and met him halfway, letting Martyn lead the kiss. The blonde reaches up and cups his partner’s face, thumbing against his cheek. He feels Ren melt into the touch a bit, and gets held tighter for it.

As soon as they move away, Ren’s taking his chance for revenge. He momentarily dunks Martyn underwater, moving before the blonde can even process what’s happening. Martyn cuts off a noise just in time, managing to get in some air for the minute or so he’s under the water. He’s a bit disoriented, so it takes a minute to get his bearings and right himself in the water. The blonde’s pretty sure Ren is laughing at him too, even if he can’t hear him.

“Hey!” Martyn coughs, head above water once again. There is also pool water in his mouth, and it’s his turn to spit out the nasty tasting stuff. There’s no malice in his voice when he yells out, just coughs and cut off giggles. Ren’s laughing, just as he’d thought he was, and the sound of it fills up the whole room. That makes the moment even more special, Martyn thinks, even if there is chlorine in his lungs.

“I said I would get you!” Ren says, sounding so joyful. And that’s really all Martyn had been aiming for by throwing him in the pool, getting him to sound happy, especially since he’d ended up too tired and unsure about the pool trip. If his plan took a bit of pool water in his ears and mouth for it to work, then so be it.

“You did..” He admits with a rather dramatic sigh, and swims over till he can kiss his boyfriend again. Ren lets him do so with a soft smile, and moves them to the steps at the start of the pool, so they can comfortably sit there while they kiss, and so he can move Martyn into his lap during it, and draw him in even closer.

A few minutes later, a hotel worker opens the pool area’s door. They call out to the two of them, saying the pool is closing in less than fifteen minutes, and the two of them need to go. Ren calls back, sounding overly apologetic as he does so, and assures the worker that they’ll be going. Though according to hotel rules, they have to make sure all guests are out of the pool before they can begin closing it for the day, so the couple decides to take their leave; neither of them want to trouble the staff anymore than they have too.

The two of them pick up their stuff, towels being thrown over their shoulders. They dry off the quickest they can, not wanting to ruin the hotel carpet they’ll inevitably have to walk over to get to the elevator. Even though they certainly aren’t the first or last people to drip pool water all over the building, but still. Ren gives a friendly wave to the hotel worker as they leave, while Martyn just smiles sheepishly and drags him back towards their room.

They get in the elevator again, a small trail of water being left in the couple's wake. He steps through the door, and gives an internal apology to whoever has to get that out of the carpet. Ren cringes a bit at the sight, and follows him into the machine, sunglasses quickly being flicked back over his eyes.

They’re not even in the elevator a minute before Martyn’s earlier giggles come back, Ren’s tail thumping against the elevator’s wall once more; but this time it’s out of happiness rather than excitement. It takes his partner a minute to notice, but the laughs earn Martyn a light shove once he does. The blonde just laughs again, louder, and pushes Ren right out of the elevator door when it lands.

Ren is opening their room’s door a few minutes later, after totally not fumbling with the room key. Martyn totally didn’t have to use it for him, nope , not at all. The brunette mumbled an thanks as he shouldered the door open, and how this hotel had weird doors and whatnot; which earned an amused snort from Martyn.

Ten minutes after they return back, both of them are flopped on the queen sized bed. Their swim clothes were thrown into the bag, the one full of all that pool stuff they ultimately hadn’t needed in the end. Ren’s sunglasses are delicately placed on one of the nightstands, while Martyn’s headband has been thrown carelessly somewhere. He’ll probably be able to find it in the morning, probably . In an almost comedic contrast, his crocs were gently placed by the door, like they were his most prized possession ever, while Ren’s sandals where lost in the abyss of their bags for the next little bit.

“What is it, darling?” Ren asks, looking down at him with a smile.

“I want cuddles.” Martyn says, moving closer. He lazily rests his head on Ren’s abdomen, like a cat might.

“We need to go to bed, Martyn.” Ren puffs sensibly, pressing a delicate kiss into his hair. Though his words aren’t lacking something soft and fond underneath all the sensibility. “We have a wedding tomorrow.”

“You have a point.” Martyn grumbled, conceding quicker than he normally would. He was pretty excited for the wedding, and wanted to be fully awake for the whole event. So yeah, he guessed some sleep was a little necessary, especially since it was past ten at night; and the wedding was at noon the next day…

“Doesn’t mean you can’t cuddle me though.” He mumbles, pressing his face into the crook of Ren’s neck. No one said they couldn’t cuddle while they sleep, after all. That was the whole point of them sharing a bed; sleepy cuddles and no other reason. Not because they loved each other or anything, nah, that’d be ridiculous.

Ren presses another kiss into his hair, and lets out a found chuckle. “I suppose I can.” He slips his arms around Martyn, and holds him tight against his chest. The blonde makes a content sound, and snuggles up closer to his boyfriend, very comfortable in this position. His partners like one big pillow, soft and lovely all the time. And always willing to go along with his nonsense, which is why Martyn loves him so much.

As he begins to drift off a few minutes later, he feels Ren’s breathing start to even out. His boyfriend had to be pretty tired to fall asleep that easily. Usually Ren would lay around, failing to sleep for ten or so minutes before something actually worked. Which made sense, considering the light stress that came with getting here and the jet lag from their flight two days ago. Martyn smiles as he lays there, already able to hear the gentle snores rumbling in his chest. Ren really is just a bug puppy, innit he?

The blonde, equally as exhausted from the past few days, does not stay awake much longer. It’s probably the easiest time he ever had falling asleep in a hotel, all of that credit going to his wonderful boyfriend. He thinks the rest of their small vacation will be just as wonderful too, especially if Ren is by his side. He always makes everything a hundred times better, being a never ending beam of sunshine in Martyn’s life since they meet. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

He hopes next time they’re staying at a hotel together, it’s for their own wedding, and that they can have a light just like this once again.

[silverskull]

Ohio Laundry Room

Chenford Week 2023

Day 1: Inspired by Canon

Amazingly, this fic covers all three points: (one of my) favourite scenes, canon quotes, and season five song.

Whole work below, but also here on AO3. Comments, reblogs and likes are SO VALUED!

It was a dusty shade of green.

Soft avocado; mushy peas; moss stems gripped and plucked from the bottom of an Ohio peat marsh.

The walls were thick - rough cement blocks stacked close together to provide some sort of dampening to the constant rumble of whirring washers.

She’d thought it was a quake hazard - avoided the little room on purpose, having no need of the facilities thus far into her stay.

Then: “Lock the door first.”

Not what she’d envisioned utilising the meet spot for.

They’d mentioned it before, gone over the blueprints of the apartment complex and the map of the block. Decided it was inconspicuous and secure. Nyla had approved it and Metro had agreed. In case of emergency.

“Meet me at the laundry room.”

Relief had flooded through her when he suggested it, her breath finally slowing down and filling her lungs completely, her heart giving one quick squeeze and relaxing its frantic patter.

He’d had incident reports to sign, and she got there first, running into the apartment and peeling off the elegant jumpsuit she’d worn to dinner. Glass had settled in the folds of fabric and now tinkled to the ground as she stripped, sticking to her bare feet like lopseed burrs while she hopped out of one leg, then the other. Her night clothes were nearest  - a soft hoodie and some yoga pants - and, once she’d dressed, she pulled the hood up close around her neck while watching out the window for his lights. 

She’d made him sleep on it - the hoodie - her last night at home.

He’d rolled his eyes and pointed out the pesky lumps of metal on the end of the strings and along the zipper, but even as he said it, he tossed it on the bed, sitting on top of it and pulling her hips in close. She’d laced her hands around his neck and bumped his nose with her own.

“They’re called ‘aglets’.”

He’d had no interest in her trivia, kissing her mouth closed with smiling lips, knocking her knees out from under her and rolling her into the bed with him instead.

She could still just smell him along the seams of the hood, and she inhaled deeply, squeezing her arms against her chest to prolong the scent.

His headlights lit the sidewalk as he turned into her street, pulling into a space in front of the railings. She didn’t wait to see him get out, hurrying to toss some vests and fabric softener into a basket.

He was already folding jeans when she burst in the door. She recognised them too - a pile he’d packed and thrown in the trunk the last time they’d stayed at his house, ready to add to his slowly expanding set of clothing in her bedroom dresser.

But his jeans were just a fleeting thought and she discarded the basket as rapidly as she could, dashing into his arms and burying her nose in his neck.

“That was really scary.”

It was hard to separate the layers of the four words.

That was really scary…

I thought I’d die.

I thought you’d die.

I thought he’d take me away.

I thought they’d take you away.

I thought you’d crack and come looking for me.

I wanted you to come looking for me. (I didn’t want you to come, either.)

I saw you past the gunfire, your face lit up through the windshield by the streetlights: I saw how frightened you were.

I nearly didn’t look away from you in time.

I miss you so. much.

“Yeah, I ‘bout had a heart attack.”

She could still feel his heart against her own, hammering away in his chest, the rapid pulse in his neck at odds with the reserved stillness she’d seen him wear like a mask.

His hands covered the full expanse of her back and she wanted to melt into him, sink into his skin like warm chocolate.

Business first though, and he tried - he really tried - two or three times. But she could see the way his eyes flicked fretfully around her face, his hands twitching at his sides as he restrained himself from reaching for her. He sounded like he was talking about the case, but it kept coming back to her, to her… her control, her boundaries, her safety.

He trusted her beyond doubt - her skill and expertise and ability - but the shooting had shaken something loose and he was struggling to reign himself in. She could see the momentary release he’d had from holding her undoing as she spoke, his arms and neck tightening with anxiety, his shoulders curving under the weight of his fear.

It wasn’t what she’d planned on saying, or doing.

But it was out there, and when she’d said it, she knew it was exactly what both of them needed.

“Lock the door first.”

She didn’t have to ask him twice.

And as the ash-green wall burst into stars before her eyes, she dug her fingers into the warm skin of his back, his hair rough and sweat streaked between her breasts, and one thought lit up her mind like a firework.

It didn’t matter where they were - laundry room or private jet or his tiny office at the station -  because everywhere was better when they were together.

And she always wanted to be with him.

Because she was in love with him.

[dujour13]

For the nonsexual acts of intimacy prompt--I can't pick between catching the other wearing their clothes and adjusting their tie/collar/jewelry!

Thank you!! 😘

I did the clothes one separately so here's an Act III pre-relationship random encounter featuring Siavash’s version of dazzling display.

---

He’s gonna do the Thing.

Good, it would at least buy them time. Woljif started to rattle off an incantation to light up those damn archers while still keeping a wary eye on the chief, who’d been separated during the ambush.

They had taken refuge on one side of the ravine and were pinned down by a pair of succubus archers above. Arue was sneaking up the steep hillside to try to get the jump on them, while Woljif had gone invisible and positioned himself so he could snap off a fireball and then dive for cover. Across the ravine the chief and Aivu hid among the rocks at the base of the cliff where the archers couldn’t get an angle.

That’s when the nalfeshnee came around the corner. And not just a giant, voracious nalfeshnee, but one of the crazy, drooling, overpowered, purple-crystal variety. It swung its massive, tusked head around and homed in on Siavash.

Thus—the Thing.

Siavash’s buckler clattered to the stones. In a shower of prismatic sparks his left fist rose like the spring sun, emanating a melodic hum that cleared the foul air and made you feel fresh and invigorated, like a draught of crystal mountain water. A flock of ethereal butterflies flickered in the air around him. In his right hand he twirled his sword the way Seelah had taught him, just once, and then he settled not into a battle stance, but a supremely relaxed, carefree slouch, leaning on the cliffside rocks with his ankles crossed, smiling like a day at the beach.

It made your knees go weak.

And not just Woljif’s. In the face of such absurd confidence, often as not demons would scatter like spooked sheep, or at least redirect their attacks at an easier target, for example Seelah. Which was really funny when you thought about it.

Only this demon seemed nonplussed. Maybe because its eyesight didn’t look too sharp: a purple crystal jutting from its brow overhung one eye, while the other suppurated with fly-infested choler. Its pig nostrils flared, scenting Elysian magic on the wind.

Which drove it into a snorting, sneezing frenzy.

It lowered its head and charged.

Ah, Hells. Woljif’s spell fizzled out as he broke into a dead sprint.

Through the rushing in his ears he could hear Seelah yelling. Aivu let out one of those ridiculous baby dragon squeals that Woljif reckoned only made demons feel peckish.

The chief’s smile faltered. He stooped to make a desperate grab for his buckler. Like that was going to help.

Aivu’s squeal turned into a popping pressure wave of sound that shook loose a rivulet of pebbles from the cliff above and made the charging demon falter—but only for an instant.

It thundered on, drool flying from its flapping jowls.

The chief didn’t look so relaxed anymore. Buckler swinging onto his arm he thrust out a fist and there was a blinding flash of rainbow-colored light—

The demon grunted in pain and stumbled. Too late. The stumble broke some of the momentum of the charge, but not enough. All Woljif could see was one of the chief’s legs shoot out from under him as he went down, the crystal-studded bulk of the demon overpowering him.

He could just imagine the chief like a cookie with a great big bite taken out of him.

Racing against hope, in mid-stride Woljif launched himself onto the demon’s bristling back using his daggers like cliff-rappelling pitons, driving them hard into its meaty shoulders. Steadied with one hand he yanked a dagger free and plunged it again and again into the side of the demon’s thick neck.

At last it collapsed, spurts of blood slowing to a trickle.

All three of them had to heave as one to shift the demon’s bulk so Siavash could wriggle out from under it. At least his buckler had succeeded in fending off the teeth. Winded, he staggered to his feet.

His tunic had been ripped open, a ragged flap hanging loose over his bloodied chainmail.

“I don’t think… that’s… my blood,” he wheezed, seeing Woljif’s expression.

Whump!

They whirled. Both almost jumped out of their boots when a succubus archer hit the ground only a few feet away. Another whump signaled the defeat of the second. Siavash and Woljif stared at each other and let out a weak laugh.

“I guess I’m off my game today.”

“I got this secret trick. It’s called gettin’ outta the way.” Woljif looked him over and frowned at his mussed equipment.

Siavash tried to undo his brooch and fix his cloak but his fingers were shaking.

“Don’t move,” Woljif said, lips pulled into a line. He popped the brooch open and held it in his mouth while he adjusted his cloak, settling it over his shoulders and pinning it securely in place. Next he pulled up the ripped flap of tunic and tied the laces together. Finally he licked his thumb and rubbed a spot of blood off Siavash’s jaw.

Suddenly he realized what he was doing.

His eyes snapped up.

Siavash was watching him with a curious expression: still livid from the attack, but color rapidly returning to his cheeks; still breathing shakily, but with a smile growing at one corner of his mouth.

Face burning, Woljif slunk away and collected his daggers, muttering expletives as cover, because suddenly his whole body seemed flushed with heat. His fingers tingled, especially the thumb, still vibrating from the intimacy of rubbing half-day-old stubble on that handsome jaw.

“Woljif—thank you. It’s like you just came out of nowhere.”

“I was invisible, chief. You oughtta try it sometime.”

“What, and forego dazzling demons with my amazing bladesmanship?”

“I hate to break it to you, but it ain’t the bladesmanship.” Oh gods, he realized too late.

“Oh really?” Siavash was grinning now.

Luckily the rest of the gang spared him from having to figure his way out of that.

“Hell of a sprint,” said Seelah, slapping him on the shoulder. “One second you were next to me and the next you were climbing up that demon like a squirrel. Nice going.”

“Yeah,” said Lann, “you sure can run when you want to.”

“And you sure are good at takin’ aim, ain’t you lizard breath?”

“Well, my friend,” said Daeran, “it seems our mettlesome minstrel isn’t the only one in your debt. You’ve saved me a rather unpleasant mess to have to patch up and my gratitude may extend as far as my personal provisions, should we miraculously survive until camp time.”

“Oh yeah? Got any more a’ them little flaky pastries?”

Siavash watched them walk off chattering happily as they gathered their packs. His heart was still racing, and not only because of the demon. He wasn’t thinking about how close he’d been to death, but how close he’d been to Woljif.

And how close he had come to clasping those deft hands as they worked at his throat, raising them to his lips and searching that bright, golden gaze for a sign—a sign of the trust he hoped desperately to live up to. He needed to prove to himself he deserved it. Until then, he scolded internally, maybe tone down the dazzle.

[purplebass]

Getting Acquainted With Santa / Wessa (+ little Lucie and James)

Will dresses as Santa Claus to surprise little James and Lucie, but someone may be scared of Santa ;) Set around Christmas 1888. I just love writing about Wessa when their kids are little.

I may have one more idea involving some of the characters in this fic set on Christmas but in the future, but we'll see if I can write it. Also, if you have requests, please send them to me.

Words: 971 Rating: T Read on A03 💜

Will bought the costume in a shop downtown without thinking, and he first showed it to his wife.

“You’re not thinking about –” Tessa said, looking at the red and white cloth with a frown. “For the Christmas party?”

He nodded. “The children will love it,” he replied giddily. “Or would you rather I dress as Mari Lwyd? You don’t seem too sure, Tess.”

She just shrugged and managed a tight smile. “I don’t want them to be scared so young.”

“By Santa Claus?” Will frowned, and put a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Is there something I should know?”

Tessa sighed, and covered her face with her hands for a moment. “When I was six or seven,” she began, “I was deeply frightened by Kris Kringle. I was with my aunt, and it was one of those rare occasions she allowed me to go out with her. I had never seen Santa, and you can imagine my shock when he appeared out of nowhere and asked me which gift I wanted for Christmas.”

“I’m sorry, Tess,” he caressed her shoulder. “I should’ve asked you first. Maybe I should really dress as Mari Lwyd, then. They also know about her.”

“Please, no,” she laughed. “I can get acquainted with Santa. Perhaps if you wear that costume in front of me, my fear could subside. I could associate you with it, and thus face my fear.”

“Do you think it could work? I don’t want to startle you, my dear,” he squeezed her hand. 

“Let’s try it now,” she tilted her head to the side. “While the children are still asleep.”

Will smirked. “I’ve got the feeling you will want to remove the costume real quick.”

“Well,” she teased. “Let’s see if you are right.”

In the end, they were right. Seeing her husband dressing – and undressing – as Santa reframed Tessa’s childhood memory after a while. He didn’t frighten her anymore. If any, he looked –

“Amazing,” she commented, fixing his jacket. “You’re all set, Will.”

“Santa Claus is coming to town!” he exclaimed, and Tessa couldn’t help but laugh.

She went to the nursery to get Lucie and James, who were one and two respectively, and took them to the drawing room. They agreed that it was better to dress as Santa in front of them first. Tessa thought they should ask their friends if it was okay for Will to surprise the other children, since one of them could be scared like she used to be. 

Tessa sat on the rug. Lucie sat on her lap, while James sat beside her. When Will entered the room and chanted, they both looked up. 

“Hello, James and Lucie,” Will chirped, and sat on the rug. “How are you?” Tessa frowned at her husband. “What? It’s friendly,” he muttered. “I am Santa Claus, an old friend of your papa’s.”

James glanced at his mother. He was a little shy, and Tessa smiled to encourage him. 

“Good,” he said quietly. 

“Do you want to sit here with Santa, James? You can tell me what you want for Christmas,” Will wondered, and opened his welcoming arms. 

James hesitated at first, and looked at his mother again. “Go,” she told him, and that seemed to put him at ease. “It is fine.”

Will and Tessa’s first born son sat on his leg. “Yes, Jamie, you are safe with me. I’ve known your papa for a long time, and granted a lot of his wishes,” he explained. “Let’s hear what you wish for Christmas. I can make it come true.” James bit his lip but then he whispered something into his father’s ear. Will smiled when he was done, and looked at his wife. She also seemed pleased. “Only that? Okay, let’s see what Santa can do,” he kissed his boy’s hair, and he ran back into his mother’s arms. “Lucie’s turn.”

“Do you want to sit on Santa’s leg too, Lucie?” Tessa asked her youngest child, who observed the intruder curiously. She stretched her arms out and her father picked her up without a fuss. “This was easy,” she told Will with a knowing grin. 

Lucie was less wary about the world compared to her older brother. Will often said she reminded me of him when he was little, while Tessa agreed that James was more like her. Their children seemed the perfect blending of their attitudes, even though they were still too young so this could likely change someday.

Lucie grabbed his fake beard, which she found fluffy. “Do you like this?” he inquired softly, and she bobbed her head, and it looked like a nod to him. “Later, cariad. Later,” he said, but his daughter tugged at the white wool too much that it fell off his face. “Oops,” Will muttered, and Tessa covered her mouth with her hand to hide a laugh. 

“Pa,” Lucie touched her father’s face with her tiny hand, and their eyes met. “Pa!”

“What did you say, little one?”

“Pa,” she repeated. It was the first time she had uttered that word. Will and Tessa melt just like they did when James said it a few months before.

“Papa,” James echoed from Tessa’s lap, and he ran to Will’s other side. “Papa!”

Will and Tessa exchanged a quick glance and smiled at each other. “Yes, that’s your papa Claus here,” he hugged his children. “Can papa get a kiss from you?” he offered his cheek, and James kissed him first. He put a finger on his face and Lucie also gave him a kiss. 

“Can I also kiss papa Claus?” Tessa wondered. 

“I’d be offended if you didn’t,” Will said. “Considering how fond of him you’ve become.”

Tessa rolled her eyes and kissed him, and sat down next to him on the rug, basking in the happiness of her beloved family.

[bloop-im-a-frog-now]

If The Gods Were Kind — village pt.1

Hello hello hello!!! Part 3, babeyyyyyy. I had to rewrite this part so many times. Many questions like “should I add more detail? Should I skip some parts? How do certain characters know how to do that?” etc. It was very painful to do, but I still like the vibe of it. We’re almost halfway thru the world-building stuff and establishing relationships and all that blabla that I inflicted on myself. 

Enjoy!

Master Post

— —

Content warnings: probably internalized ableism? I apologize deeply if I wrote something offensive, so, please, let me know!

Scar will forever hate phantoms. Why did they torment him so? It’s not his fault he spent most of the night in a mine instead of a comfortable bed. He even rested on a bed after they vibed to the disc Bdubs found. Why did he had to encounter them twice?

When he first encountered them, it was after Impulse suggested they discover a bit of the surrounding land. They had to meet at their mine entrance in three days, so Scar decided to go to the right of the sun. He encountered a desert filled with cacti and dead bushes. It was night, a lot of mobs (as Impulse called them) were roaming around, thus, Scar had to be careful. It was on a steep hill, so it was still hard to climb it, but after resting and taking his time, he managed to reach the top. As he looked beyond, a business idea bloomed in his mind.

What if he made people pay for sand? He could control the flow of sand if there were indeed more people than just him and the other three. The idea came to him so easily, he wondered if he dealt in trades and deals before entering this world. He kept it on the back burner, hopeful that it would help him. 

He went back a day later, crossing two people on his path as the rain poured. A coltish pale skin man with silvery hair held with a headband, almost hovering over him, approached him with a wave. Scar smiled and waved back, taking in his appearance. The shield in his nondominant hand was lowered, showing dark blue fingerless gloves. His iron armor hid a lot of his clothing, just his dark blue long sleeves peeking. Half his face was covered with a mask of the same color, two different colored eyes, one light green like everyone he had met so far and the other glowing red. 

His companion was sturdier and probably slightly shorter than him, with broad shoulders and defined thighs. Scar couldn’t quite tell, the iron armor framed everyone perfectly, a long tail with a tuff at the end wrapped around his leg for dryness—a blazeborn then. The fiery yellow-haired man gave him a toothy grin, adjusting his round red-shaded sunglasses with the hand holding an iron sword. He was also wearing fingerless gloves, red instead of blue, soot on them. Scar learned they were Etho and Tango respectively, and he even got to brag about the only diamond he found while caving. 

The rain froze his limbs, even with the iron armor, and while meeting new people was exciting, he desperately wanted to go back to the mine entrance. Unfortunately for him, two other people approached them, greeting them with a wave. Scar leaned on his cane for a small respite on his aching hips as he took in the appearances of the two new strangers.

One had pastel cyan hair, plastered to his face as the rain continued. Even with his full iron gear, his light blue sleeves covered most of his arms, sticking to his skin. He had a thick accent that made it difficult for Scar to recognize certain words, but with some effort, he managed to understand the man clearly. He had this sort of otherworldly aura, his uncanny white skin and lithe figure wasn’t helping, unlike his partner.

The blond man seemed distracted by the fish in the water, sword raised to strike at any moment, fair-skinned face pink in concentration. His arms were completely covered, long dark blue sleeves with red gloves, but they didn’t hide the huge biceps this man had. His upper body was stocky, but Scar wondered if it was healthy for his legs to be so skinny.

The blue-haired man (Scott, as Scar learned eventually) briefly talked of how they found an abandoned mine and pigs’ heads in a clearing, and decided to settle down there. They still wanted to explore the rest of the world, and ended up meeting Scar, Etho and Tango all in one place. 

Scar saw a skeleton approaching them, backing off quietly as Scott and Etho talked to each other. The blond man (Scott often yelled “Jimmy” when addressing him) stood up from his weird fishing and struck the skeleton down. Scar chuckled nervously and waved them goodbye as he hastily returned to Bdubs and the others, inviting the four gentlemen to follow him if they so desired. 

At the mine entrance, everyone was back. It was raining and Scar was soaking wet, but Bdubs refused to let anyone in their hole in the mountain, afraid it would drench the place. Etho, Tango, Scott and Jimmy came right after him, and Bdubs immediately reprimanded them when they tried to go inside. 

After they all exchanged contact and laughed in good heart, they heard a screech off in the distance. Then, something swooped into their group, making everyone panic. Scar quickly entered the house, leaving Scott, Jimmy, Tango and Etho dealing with the flying monsters. Etho called them “phantoms”, but Scar preferred calling them ginormous evil manta rays. Scott and Jimmy entered the house in panic. After Tango and Etho took care of most of them, they each took turns sleeping on the bed, waiting for the weather to clear and for those ginormous evil manta rays to leave them alone. 

The second time was at the village Tango and Etho claimed, or so they said. Scar, Bdubs, Cleo and Impulse went to the village after hearing from Tango that they could trade with some villagers to get better resources. 

Scar felt a twitch of chaos he couldn’t quite explain deep inside him, knowing people would be able to protect him from the monsters that crawled in this world. He was the one who suggested raiding the village and claiming it as their own. Impulse wasn’t on board at first, but Bdubs and Cleo convinced him rather instantaneously. They brought a lot of food with them, and arrived in the village at night. They urgently found a shelter after hearing the screeches. 

It was when they heard two new voices that the group cautiously went outside. Scar recognized a different accent in one, closer to Cleo’s, while the other seemed calm and serene. They gave each other different looks, ranging from excitement to wariness. They still went further in, trying to avoid the swooping ginormous evil manta rays.

The village was at an elevation, and Scar had difficulty following everyone’s pace. Some people were on the roofs of the houses, others were fighting the phantoms, and some were stealing from the village. With all the chaos, Scar managed to get Martyn’s and BigB’s contact, the two new voices they heard when entering the village. 

Martyn had this rambunctious aura to him, his ugly bright green shirt didn’t help disprove it. His wild blond hair was tied with a black bandana and his face was red from dodging all the ginormous evil manta rays and talking about this Renchanting business, whatever that meant. He was taller than Cleo, but his head barely reached Impulse’ chin. His armor was hiding a lot of his body shape, but if Scar had to be honest, he was almost a mini Impulse. 

His first encounter with the fancy sounding man took a lot of effort, given he had difficulty walking the challenging terrain, but Martyn did manage to prank everyone with a hissing sound—which Scar later learned was the sound of a creeper exploding. Using that sound to scare everyone off will manage to bring you in a fight or flight response, Scar figured out that night. 

BigB was a gentle soul with an extended goatee that actually looked good and short black trimmed hair. His long dark blue sleeves were push above his elbow, showing the dark skin and firm muscles that were holding his sword and shield as he fought the phantoms. His armor gave him a rectangular shape, not as slim as Scott, but not as corpulent as Bdubs.

Scar also spotted a lonely llama in the dark corners of the village. He felt a tang in his heart, something told him to get it, to protect it. It gave him an idea on how the animal could help him with his business concept. It had some saddlebags on its side, which could help transport sand and give it to the others. It could even be the mascot for his whole enterprise. Most importantly, it looked adorable and Scar just wanted to pet it.

He was about to get it when more ginormous evil manta rays attacked them. The others were struggling, Scar had to help them, it was only repayment after everything they did for him. He ate half of the food supply Bdubs and Cleo gave everyone before they left the refugee camp, bringing him energy to yield his iron sword without losing his balance. 

Scar learned that food gave him enough energy to push his arms further than usual and would ease any ache and tension. He switched back and forth between his shield and his iron sword, always having a hand on his cane.

The night was long and uneventful until Bdubs saw a dark oak tree hanging in the middle of the village. Etho had planted it there before he and Tango explored the world a bit more. 

“Can I have some dark oak saplings?” Bdubs asked. Etho laughed nervously.

“I can give you one,” he pointed at the little tree standing beside the towering one, “but it wouldn’t be enough.”

Ginormous evil manta rays still swooped in, BigB and Tango working hard to keep the small group safe. BigB kept warning the person the phantom had targeted, while Tango made sure to protect the animals—and by animals, he meant the alarming amount of sheep in the pen.

“How about we chopped down the tree?” Cleo suggested. 

“How about we don’t,” Etho said firmly. 

Scar didn’t quite understand why Etho was so attached to this tree. There was a very simple solution to all of this.

“If we chopped it down, everyone could have saplings and we can replant it. Then it’ll give us even more saplings!” Scar felt like a genius.

“Yeah, well, it’s ours.”

Bdubs and Cleo sighed, defeated, before helping BigB with the phantoms. Scar wanted to interject, but a green blur appeared in the corner of his eyes and he yelped out of fear, slashing the thing with his iron sword. It was a zombie, and he felt his shoulder ache. He killed the monster and realized some were laughing at him. Not that he minded, they all seemed better than him with a sword. He didn’t have the luxury to hold a sword and a shield at the same time, so it was probably all in good fun. 

Somebody yelled for food, and Bdubs immediately jumped into action.

“I have food! Who needs food?”

Etho and Tango mumbled something about fish, but it wasn’t as decipherable as Scar would like. Cleo talking to BigB and the screech of the phantoms were not helping. It felt like a fever dream. Maybe he should’ve found a house and slept. 

Even with the little sleep he got at the refugee camp, he could barely stand on his two feet. It might give his hips and calves a break from holding his body weight. He found it was very demanding to walk around while dodging the phantoms. His buzzing communicator didn’t help, keeping his senses on high alert, no matter how hard he tried tuning it out.

“I can exchange food for four dark oak saplings,” Scar could hear Bdubs bargaining with Etho. 

He was half paying attention, exploring the village, almost falling in holes if it weren’t for Cleo. It was quite a messy village, not safe enough for him. His ears almost rang because of the phantoms’ screech. It would be for the best if he could find a spot to rest, just to take a break. 

Cleo gripped his bicep, startling him.

“Scar, are you sure you don’t need something more to help you?”

He tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

They groaned in frustration. “You keep falling in the holes, you’re limping, and it looks like you’re gonna pass out at any moment.”

He blinked at her, a pit growing in his stomach. He just needed to sit down and eat to gain energy. 

“How do you suggest I fix that?” he asked, almost sarcastically. 

They threw her hands in the air. “Maybe two canes instead of one? A portable chair?”

He frowned. “But, if I have two canes, how would I defend myself?”

“Maybe you can have different things supporting you depending on the situation.”

An explosion was heard before Scar could respond (much to his relief), and the rest rushed to the food bargain. 

“That was a real one,” Tango muttered nervously.

“Maybe that’s why there’re holes everywhere,” Scar wondered out loud.

“We’re not a refugee camp,” Etho glared at them, “you guys can leave our village anytime.”

Bdubs let out an exasperated sigh while Cleo shook their head. Impulse asked if there were any villagers. Scar did find it strange there was no sign of life other than them. Tango admitted there was only one, and Impulse looked dejected. Scar would like to find that one villager. He wondered if they could show him useful medical supplies. 

He was mulling Cleo’s words in his head, not quite understanding their vision. Two canes? How would that be useful? Sure, it would help him put his body weight elsewhere than his lower body, so it could be useful when traveling. But defending himself? None of his hands would be free to grab a sword or a shield and fight whatever terrifying mobs there were out there. 

A ginormous evil manta ray shoved him, cutting his train of thought, and he almost lost his balance. He planted his cane on the ground and swayed his arms back and forth. Thankfully, Cleo killed the phantom before it could shove him again. He was so ever grateful to have nice people help him.

“So?” She asked, glaring at him and holding his arm when he almost fell again—why was he so clumsy. 

Bdubs approached them with a skip to his steps.

“What are you guys yapping about?”

Cleo let go of his arm (it felt like their grip never left), and crossed her arms.

“Scar here has been falling in holes and limping since who knows how long, and doesn’t want something else to support him.”

“I didn’t say that,” he tried to defend himself.

Bdubs gasped, eyes wide. “You should’ve said something sooner!” 

“What’s this with Scar not having enough support?” Impulse leaned close to Scar’s head, making him jump and yelp.

“Jeez!” he hissed, placing a hand on his chest. Impulse gave him an apologetic smile and Scar sighed. “Do you have any idea how I can protect myself while making sure I don’t fall?”

Scar sent him a nervous smile and Impulse hummed in thought, scratching his chin. 

“Oh!” He slammed his fist on his palm, eyes wide. “How about we give you two canes, so when you’re traveling, you’re not putting most of your weight on your legs,” he paused. “But when you need to defend yourself,” he said slowly, putting Scar on the edge of his seat, “maybe you should just use your cane?”

“Oh, what a great idea!” Bdubs exclaimed, eyes even wider and body buzzing.

“Can you make another cane?” Scar asked, a bit worried about their lack of resources.

Tango waltzed in, humming in interest. 

“Two canes, you said?” he asked Impulse, who nodded. He inspected Scar’s cane, making sure to keep his hands to himself and just looking at the form. 

Tango and Impulse burst into a discussion on how to make the canes easier for Scar to travel with, as if they often talked about contraptions together, as if they were old buddies. Scar found it strange, since he was pretty sure nobody knew each other here, but maybe (and he tried not to hope too much) they all knew one and another from a previous life. 

Eventually, Bdubs got bored and complained loudly to the two men discussing he didn’t understand anything from it. They all laughed and Tango finally explained their solution.

“We’ll make two canes, but they would have support for your forearms to not exert yourself too much.”

Scar hummed, intrigued. “How long will it take?”

Tango and Impulse looked at each other before focusing back on them. The blazeborn shrugged. 

“An hour ish? If we get Etho to help, it might take less.”

“Do you need help gathering the resources?” Cleo asked, frowning in concern. 

Tango blinked and turned around to Etho who planted wheat seeds, calling him over. Etho quirked an eyebrow but shrugged, joining the small group. Tango explained the situation and the masked man said they could raid the village for resources, it wasn’t like it was bare. 

Thus, while everyone forced Scar to sit down on the edge of the wheat farm, they went through every house in the village to build the two canes, or crutches as Etho clarified. Scar really appreciated they made him rest, but it was his idea to raid the village in the first place. He wanted to participate. The wooden edge wasn’t really comfortable, but it was better than standing up, much to his frustration.

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